replication
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The action or process of making an exact copy of something.
In science, the repetition of an experiment to verify results; in computing, the duplication of data across systems; in biology, the process by which genetic material is copied.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies precision and fidelity to the original. In scientific contexts, it carries a strong connotation of verification and reliability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Usage frequency is similar across domains.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic writing due to larger volume of scientific literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
replication of [noun]replication by [agent]replication in [field/context]replication that [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A replication crisis (academic)”
- “Like a poor replication of (simile)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to duplicating successful processes or systems in new markets or branches.
Academic
Crucial term in scientific method, referring to repeating experiments to confirm findings.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used when discussing making copies or imitating something.
Technical
Core term in genetics (DNA replication), computing (data replication), and manufacturing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team sought to replicate the American study in a UK cohort.
- We cannot replicate those results with our current equipment.
American English
- The lab will attempt to replicate the groundbreaking experiment.
- Their business model is difficult to replicate.
adverb
British English
- The data was replicatively produced across three labs. (rare)
American English
- The process functions replicatively with minimal error. (rare)
adjective
British English
- The replicative process is tightly controlled.
- They studied the virus's replicative cycle.
American English
- The replicative machinery of the cell is complex.
- They observed high replicative fidelity.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The artist made a careful replication of the famous painting.
- DNA replication is a basic process of life.
- The journal requires replication of the experiment before publication.
- Data replication across servers ensures no information is lost.
- The failure of independent replication cast doubt on the original study's conclusions.
- Their operational model allows for seamless replication in diverse cultural contexts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'REPLICA' + 'ACTION' – the action of making a replica.
Conceptual Metaphor
COPYING IS REPRODUCTION (biological metaphor often extended to other domains).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'репликация' in non-scientific contexts where 'копирование' or 'воспроизведение' is more natural.
- Do not confuse with 'реплика' (a remark/retort).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'replication' to mean 'reply' or 'response'.
- Misspelling as 'replecation'.
- Using in informal contexts where 'copy' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'replication' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Replication' stresses making an exact copy or repeating under identical conditions for verification. 'Repetition' is more general, meaning doing something again, not necessarily identically.
The verb form is 'replicate'. 'Replication' is solely a noun.
It refers to widespread difficulties in reproducing the results of many published scientific studies, raising concerns about research reliability.
Yes, it is primarily used in formal, academic, and technical registers. In everyday speech, 'copying' or 'repeating' are more common.
Collections
Part of a collection
Science and Research
B2 · 43 words · Academic and scientific research methodology.
Scientific Terminology
C1 · 44 words · Precise vocabulary used in scientific disciplines.
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