replicar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical, academic
Quick answer
What does “replicar” mean?
To copy, duplicate, or reproduce something exactly or with high fidelity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To copy, duplicate, or reproduce something exactly or with high fidelity.
To respond sharply or in kind, especially in verbal argument; to create a copy, model, or representation of an original.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in American English in technical/scientific registers. In British English, 'replicate' is overwhelmingly preferred for the 'copy' meaning; 'replicar' is rare and may be perceived as a direct borrowing.
Connotations
In American usage, can carry a connotation of sophisticated duplication (e.g., in tech, biology). In British usage, often feels like a non-standard or literary variant of 'replicate' or 'retort'.
Frequency
Very low-frequency word in both varieties. Most native speakers would use 'replicate', 'copy', 'reproduce', or 'retort' instead.
Grammar
How to Use “replicar” in a Sentence
[Subject] replicar [Object][Subject] replicar [Object] [Prepositional Phrase (e.g., with precision)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “replicar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team sought to replicar the original Victorian crafting techniques.
- He would often replicar his opponent's insults with surprising wit.
American English
- Researchers could not replicar the groundbreaking cancer trial results.
- She didn't just answer his critique; she replicared with a detailed point-by-point refutation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in reports about cloning business processes: 'The franchise model aims to replicar the success of the flagship store.'
Academic
Used in scientific writing discussing experimental verification: 'The study's findings have proven difficult to replicar in independent labs.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in contexts like computing (replicating data), biology (replicating cells), and manufacturing (replicating parts).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “replicar”
- Using 'replicar' in casual speech where 'copy' or 'repeat' is meant.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /rɪˈplaɪkər/ (like 'replier').
- Using it intransitively: *'The experiment replicared.' (Correct: 'The experiment was replicated' or 'They replicared the experiment.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. The standard and common verb is 'replicate'. 'Replicar' is occasionally found in technical or academic writing, likely influenced by its more common noun form 'replica' or by Romance languages.
There is no standard difference in meaning. 'Replicate' is the standard, universally accepted verb. 'Replicar' is a non-standard variant that some writers may use, but it is not recommended for learners. It may be perceived as an error or an affectation.
In very formal or literary contexts, it can carry the archaic or specialized meaning of 'to reply' or 'to retort,' but this is exceptionally rare. The standard words are 'reply', 'respond', or 'retort'.
No. To avoid any risk of it being marked as a spelling error or unconventional usage, always use the standard verb 'replicate' instead.
To copy, duplicate, or reproduce something exactly or with high fidelity.
Replicar is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Replicar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛplɪkɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛplɪˌkɑr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'REPLICA' (a copy) becoming a verb: to 'replicar' is to 'make a replica'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (for the 'retort' sense): 'She replicared with a stinging rebuttal.' CREATION IS COPYING (for the 'duplicate' sense).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'replicar' MOST appropriately used?