What does "duplicate" mean?

1. (an identical copy) an exact copy of something, like a document or a key. 2. (legal original) a second version of a legal paper that is just as official as the first one. 3. (to make a copy) to make an exact copy of something. 4. (to repeat an action) to do something again in the same way. 5. (identical) exactly the same as another thing.

duplicate

n. · v. · adj.

US //ˈdupɫəˌkeɪt// du·pli·cate

1 an identical copy (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

an exact copy of something, like a document or a key.

an identical copy or counterpart of an original object or document.

Example

I keep a duplicate of my house key with a neighbor just in case.

Example

The legal team requested a duplicate of the contract to ensure both parties held identical versions of the agreement.
- original
2 legal original (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

a second version of a legal paper that is just as official as the first one.

a document that is the same as another in all essential particulars and carries the same legal validity as the original.

Example

The lawyer signed the duplicate so that both offices had a valid copy.

Example

In property law, a duplicate lease is executed so that the landlord and tenant each possess an original instrument of the agreement.
- counterpart

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3 to make a copy (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make an exact copy of something.

to produce an exact copy of a physical or digital object. Transitive use requiring a direct object.

Example

We need to duplicate these files before we start editing them.

Example

The software allows users to duplicate entire databases with a single command, ensuring data redundancy across multiple servers.
- originate
4 to repeat an action (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to do something again in the same way.

to perform an action or process again, often with the goal of achieving the same result.

Example

It will be hard to duplicate the success of last year's festival.

Example

Scientists struggled to duplicate the results of the initial experiment, leading to questions about the original methodology.
- repeat
- redo
5 identical (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

exactly the same as another thing.

being exactly the same as another; existing as a second version of an original.

Example

The museum has duplicate copies of several famous ancient coins.

Example

The investigation revealed that the suspect had been using duplicate license plates to avoid detection by traffic cameras.
- unique
- different

Origin

PIE word *dwóh₁ Borrowed from Latin duplicātus, perfect passive participle of duplicō, see -ate.