reduplicate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “reduplicate” mean?
to repeat or duplicate something, especially a sound or syllable, or to make a copy of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to repeat or duplicate something, especially a sound or syllable, or to make a copy of something.
In linguistics, it specifically means to repeat all or part of a word to form a new word or grammatical form (e.g., 'bye-bye'). In general usage, it can mean to reproduce, double, or make an exact copy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows standard national conventions for related forms (e.g., 'reduplication').
Connotations
Equally formal/technical in both variants.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but standard within the field of linguistics in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “reduplicate” in a Sentence
[Verb] + (object): The language reduplicates the syllable for emphasis.[Verb] + itself: The pattern reduplicates itself across the region.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reduplicate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Some languages reduplicate the initial syllable to form plurals.
- The software is designed to reduplicate the dataset for backup.
American English
- The child reduplicated 'ma' to form 'mama'.
- We cannot simply reduplicate the programme's success without adapting it.
adjective
British English
- The reduplicate form of the word is 'ping-pong'.
- This is a reduplicate version of the original document.
American English
- A reduplicate syllable, like in 'night-night', is common in baby talk.
- They worked from a reduplicate set of files.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in technical contexts like 'reduplicate the successful model in new markets'.
Academic
Common in linguistics, biology, and computational studies to describe processes of copying or repetition.
Everyday
Very rare. Would likely be replaced by simpler synonyms like 'repeat' or 'copy'.
Technical
Core term in linguistics for a morphological process; also used in biology and data science.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reduplicate”
- Using 'reduplicate' in casual speech where 'repeat' or 'copy' is more appropriate.
- Incorrect stress: /ˈredjuːplɪkeɪt/ instead of /rɪˈdjuːplɪkeɪt/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In general usage, yes, it is a formal synonym. However, in linguistics, it has a specific meaning: the repetition of all or part of a word to create a new grammatical form or meaning, which 'repeat' does not convey.
The primary noun form is 'reduplication'. 'Reduplicate' is most commonly used as a verb or adjective.
Words like 'bye-bye', 'night-night', 'choo-choo', and 'ping-pong' are examples of reduplication, where a syllable or word is repeated, often with a change in meaning or register.
No, the meaning and technical usage are identical. The pronunciation differs slightly (/djuː/ in UK vs /duː/ in US), and spelling in derived forms follows national conventions (e.g., 'reduplication').
to repeat or duplicate something, especially a sound or syllable, or to make a copy of something.
Reduplicate is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Reduplicate: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈdjuːplɪkeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈduːplɪkeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'REDUplicate' – to make a 'DUplicate' AGAIN (RE-).
Conceptual Metaphor
COPYING IS MULTIPLYING (producing more of the same).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'reduplicate' MOST precisely and commonly used?