replicate
C1Formal, academic, scientific, technical.
Definition
Meaning
To make an exact copy or duplicate of something.
To reproduce or repeat a process, experiment, or finding, especially in a scientific context; to perform an identical action again.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies precision and exactness in copying or repeating. In science, it often carries the specific meaning of repeating an experiment to verify results.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of precision, verification, and exact duplication.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic and corporate writing due to the larger volume of scientific and tech publications, but the difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
replicate somethingreplicate something in somethingattempt/seek/try to replicate somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Replicate success”
- “Replicate at scale”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe copying a successful business model, process, or product in a new market or division.
Academic
Central to scientific method: reproducing an experiment or study to verify its validity.
Everyday
Less common; used for precise copying, e.g., trying to replicate a recipe or a DIY project.
Technical
Widely used in computing (replicate data across servers), biology (replicate cells/DNA), and manufacturing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team could not replicate the original experiment's findings.
- We aim to replicate this successful model in our Bristol office.
American English
- The researchers failed to replicate the study's results.
- The franchise seeks to replicate its success in the Midwest.
adverb
British English
- This process does not function replicate across all systems. (Rare/Technical)
- The data was processed replicate. (Rare/Technical)
American English
- The cells were grown replicate for the assay. (Rare/Technical)
adjective
British English
- The replicate samples were stored in the lab freezer.
- They conducted a replicate analysis for confirmation.
American English
- The replicate experiments all yielded consistent data.
- A replicate trial is required for validation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Scientists try to replicate experiments to check their work.
- Can you replicate this drawing?
- The lab attempted to replicate the groundbreaking results but was unsuccessful.
- The chef's challenge was to replicate the complex sauce without the original recipe.
- The startup's primary goal is to replicate its scalable user-acquisition model in emerging markets.
- Peer review often hinges on the ability of other researchers to replicate the methodological rigour of a published study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'REPLICA' (a copy) of a famous painting. To 'replicate' is the action of MAKING that replica.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION AS COPYING (The process of making something new is framed as making a precise copy of an existing template).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'повторить' (repeat) for simple actions. 'Replicate' implies a more exact, methodical copy. 'Воспроизвести' is often a closer match.
- Do not use as a direct synonym for 'копировать' (to copy) in casual contexts; it is more formal and precise.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'replicate' to mean 'repeat' a casual action (e.g., 'I replicated my morning walk').
- Misspelling as 'replecate' or 'replicite'.
- Incorrect stress: pronouncing it as /ˌriːˈplaɪkeɪt/ instead of /ˈrɛplɪkeɪt/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'replicate' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Repeat' is general. 'Replicate' implies making an exact or methodical copy, often with the goal of verification or duplication of specific conditions.
Yes, but it's less common and mostly technical (e.g., 'three biological replicates'). The more common noun form is 'replica' or 'replication'.
They are very close synonyms. 'Duplicate' often emphasises the outcome (creating a double), while 'replicate' can emphasise the process of copying precisely, especially in scientific contexts.
It is redundant, as 'replicate' already contains the idea of repetition. 'Repeat the replication' or simply 'replicate' is preferable.