what's the difference between duplicate and replicate?

Question

I know they both mean the same thing but when to use one or the other?

thanks!

Answer 1

Above lies a good answer. I just want to say I've noticed speakers on television increasingly using "replicate" instead of "duplicate" because it sounds more "uppity." I'm sticking with duplicate except when speaking of scientific experiments that get replicated as part of the scientific method.

Answer 2

Replication



Starting with a glass master that contains the data for the disc, a metal stamper is formed. The stamper is loaded into a molding machine and molten polycarbonate is injected into the mold thereby manufacturing the disc with the data stamped into the disc. A reflective aluminum layer is applied and the discs are printed with artwork.



Duplication



Starting with pre-manufactured blank recordable discs, the data is “burned” onto the discs one at a time. The process takes several minutes per disc depending on the speed of the recorder and the amount of information you are recording.



Does It Matter?



Some people will tell you not to duplicate audio or video but only replicate. Others say there’s no difference at all. There is no data difference between a processed duplication and a glass mastered replication disc.



http://ezinearticles.com/?Replication-vs.-Duplication---Whats-the-Difference-and-Does-It-Matter&id=393652



http://www.novusmedia.com/Duplicate-Replicate.html



http://www.video-files.com/web/page/376/sectionid/1/pagelevel/1/interior.asp

Answer 3

Duplicating means making a copy of an original. Replicate is more like trying to imitate something. ex: I have a duplicate set of the materials in my lab. I look at the moves and try to replicate them.

Answer 4

The word “replicate” was not even known or used when I was younger. In fact, I didn't even hear it until the movie Blade Runner came out in the mid eighties, where the robots in the movie were called Replicants. Hearing people use it today, instead of the word "duplicate", makes my ears hurt (people who know better just trying to sound "smart"). Stay safe, if you're referring to making one copy of anything, you are duplicating it.

Answer 5

Duplicate = clones/copies

replicate = follows the same plan to make a similar object



You won't have to worry too much about differentiating unless using some jargon.