Word
duplication
Phoneticsdu·pli·ca·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdjupɫəˈkeɪʃən/
UK/djˌuːplɪkˈeɪʃən/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the act of making an exact copy of something. It can also mean when the same work is done twice by mistake.
n. the act or process of creating an identical copy of something; the state of being repeated or doubled. In biological contexts, refers specifically to the replication of genetic material or cellular structures.
Examples
“The office has a system to prevent the duplication of files.”
“The manager noticed a duplication of efforts because two different teams were working on the same report.”
“Genetic duplication can lead to the evolution of new functions, as the extra copy of a gene is free to mutate without harming the organism's survival.”
Examples
simple
“The office has a system to prevent the duplication of files.”
contextual
“The manager noticed a duplication of efforts because two different teams were working on the same report.”
complex
“Genetic duplication can lead to the evolution of new functions, as the extra copy of a gene is free to mutate without harming the organism's survival.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to specific instances of copying.
Real-World Examples
“By the early 20th century, the state of the art was the mimeograph machine, which used ink to produce a small set of copies that got weaker with each duplication.” “If not, how will duplication and repetition be avoided?” Etymology
From Middle English duplicacioun, from Middle French duplication, from Late Latin duplicātiō, duplicātiōnem, from Latin duplicō. Morphologically duplicate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/duplication