sepˈtuplicate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Very LowFormal, Technical, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “sepˈtuplicate” mean?
A set of seven identical copies, or something repeated seven times.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of seven identical copies, or something repeated seven times.
To make seven identical copies of something. In mathematics, to multiply by seven. It can also imply an excessive or redundant level of duplication beyond what is necessary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes extreme formality, bureaucratic precision, or archaism.
Frequency
Virtually unused in modern English. More likely to be encountered in historical documents or as a linguistic curiosity.
Grammar
How to Use “sepˈtuplicate” in a Sentence
The document was submitted [in septuplicate].They had to [septuplicate] the report for distribution.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sepˈtuplicate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The clerk was instructed to septuplicate the tripartite agreement for the colonial archives.
American English
- The regulation absurdly required them to septuplicate the filing for a simple permit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historical/archaic. 'The archaic contract stipulated that all amendments be filed in septuplicate.'
Academic
Rare, found in historical linguistics or textual studies discussing document reproduction.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Extremely rare in printing or archival sciences to denote a seven-part form set.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sepˈtuplicate”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈsɛptɪkət/ (like 'septic').
- Using it in modern contexts where 'seven copies' is perfectly clear.
- Incorrectly forming the verb: 'septuplicating' (acceptable but rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a legitimate but extremely rare word, following the pattern of duplicate, triplicate, etc. It is listed in comprehensive dictionaries like the OED.
Almost never in modern communication. You might encounter it in historical texts, legal archives, or as a humorous exaggeration of bureaucracy. 'Seven copies' is always clearer.
The stress is on the second syllable: sep-TU-pli-kate (verb) or sep-TU-pli-kit (noun/adj). The 'tu' sounds like 'too' in American English and 'tyoo' in British English.
Octuplicate (8), nonuplicate (9), and decuplicate (10). These terms are even rarer than 'septuplicate'.
A set of seven identical copies, or something repeated seven times.
Sepˈtuplicate is usually formal, technical, archaic in register.
Sepˈtuplicate: in British English it is pronounced /sɛpˈtjuːplɪkət/ (noun/adj); /sɛpˈtjuːplɪkeɪt/ (verb), and in American English it is pronounced /sɛpˈtuːplɪkət/ (noun/adj); /sɛpˈtuːplɪkeɪt/ (verb). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None exist for this rare term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'September' (originally the seventh month in the Roman calendar) + 'duplicate'. It's a 'September duplicate' – the seventh copy.
Conceptual Metaphor
REDUNDANCY IS EXCESS. Using 'septuplicate' metaphorically suggests an absurd or burdensome level of bureaucracy.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the word 'septuplicate' be most plausibly found?