Difference Between Copy and Duplicate | Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms (2024)

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Copy vs Duplicate

The difference between copy and duplicate mainly lies in what each word implies. The words copy and duplicate are often confused as two different words that give the same meaning. Their usage is also confused. However, it is proper to say that they are two different words that convey two different meanings and hence, their usage also differs. This is true as we do not use the word copy and duplicate in the same context. The word copy is often used in the sense of ‘reproduction.’ On the other hand, the word duplicate is often used in the sense of ‘an identical copy.’ This is the main difference between the two words. In fact, all the difference between copy and duplicate comes from these meanings.

What is a Copy?

The word copy is often used in the sense of ‘reproduction.’ This means copy is the reproduced result of an original. However, you should remember that we can make a copy from another copy as well. Take a look at the two sentences given below.

Robert asked his assistant to copy the letter in a separate sheet of paper.

Francis copied the notes in his diary.

In both the sentences, the word copy is used in the sense of ‘reproduce.’ So, as a result, the first sentence can be rewritten as ‘Robert asked his assistant to reproduce the letter in a separate sheet of paper.’ In the same manner, the second sentence can be rewritten as ‘Francis reproduced the notes in his diary.’ It is interesting to note that the word copy is used both as a verb and also as a noun.

Difference Between Copy and Duplicate | Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms (1)

When it comes to making copies, a person can make copies from the original as well as from another copy. For example, think about that letter in the first example. Now, Robert has asked to make a copy. This may be copied from the original. But, later, once the original letter is sent, Roberts needs another copy of the same letter. As he already has a copy of the same letter, though the original is no longer with him, he has no problem in creating a second copy. Also, a copy necessarily does not have to look exactly like the original. For example, think that there is poem in the newspaper that you like. You need a copy of that. So, you take a pen and a piece of paper and write it down. This is also a copy though it does not look exactly the same as the original. Also, the word copy is mostly used with documents, paintings, etc.

What is a Duplicate?

The word duplicate is often used in the sense of ‘an identical copy.’ To make a duplicate, you usually need the original. Take a look at the sentences given below.

He duplicated the key that evening.

Angela considered her friend as a duplicate of her sister.

In both the sentences, the word duplicate is used in the sense of ‘an identical copy.’ So, as a result, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘he made an identical copy of the key that evening.’ The meaning of the second sentence would be ‘Angela considered her friend as an identical copy of her sister.’ You have to remember that the word duplicate is used primarily as a noun and very occasionally as a verb.

Unlike a copy, usually to make a duplicate, you need the original. That is because a duplicate is an identical copy or an exact reproduction of the original. For example, think about a key. You need another key from the same. So, you make a key that is exactly similar to the original. That key is known as a duplicate key; not a copy. This is because the duplicate is an exact copy in appearance as well as the function of the original.

Difference Between Copy and Duplicate | Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms (2)

What is the difference between Copy and Duplicate?

• Meaning:

• Copy means reproduction.

• Duplicate means an identical copy.

• Usage:

• The word copy is used with regard to documents, paintings, and such.

• The word duplicate is used mainly with regard to objects.

• Parts of Speech:

• The word copy is used as a noun as well as a verb.

• The word duplicate is used primarily as a noun and very occasionally as a verb.

• Creation:

• You can create a copy of something using the original or another copy.

• To make a duplicate of something you generally need the original.

• Appearance:

• A copy does not necessarily have to be exactly the same in appearance to the original.

• A duplicate looks exactly like the original.

Images Courtesy:

  1. Stack of copy paper byJonathan Joseph Bondhus(CC BY-SA 3.0)
  2. Keychain by TheEgyptian(CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Difference Between Replica and FakeDifference Between Photo and ImageDifference Between Opportunity and ChanceDifference Between Twice and Two TimesDifference Between Watch and Warning

Difference Between Copy and Duplicate | Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms (2024)

FAQs

Difference Between Copy and Duplicate | Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms? ›

Both 'copy' and 'duplicate' mean to reproduce or recreate something. However, 'duplicate' is usually done for purposes of distribution while 'copy' typically carries a negative connotation of trying to imitate something.

Is it correct to say duplicate copy? ›

Both "the duplicate copy" and "a duplicate copy " are correct, but their usage depends on context. Use "the duplicate copy" when referring to a specific, known duplicate copy.

What is the difference between the words duplicate and replicate? ›

Remember that replicate means to reproduce something; to make something once again in the same manner. 2. Duplicate means to make the same copy.

What is the difference between copy and paste and duplicate slides? ›

The Copy & Paste feature is useful for taking one item and putting it on multiple slides without having to perform the search/upload action repeatedly. Unlike the Duplicate feature, where selected items are duplicated once on the current slide, Copy & Paste allows you to paste items on any desired slide.

What is the meaning of a duplicate copy? ›

: either of two things exactly alike and usually produced at the same time or by the same process. b. : an additional copy of something (such as a book or stamp) already in a collection. 2. : one that resembles or corresponds to another : counterpart.

Is duplicate the same as copy? ›

Both 'copy' and 'duplicate' mean to reproduce or recreate something. However, 'duplicate' is usually done for purposes of distribution while 'copy' typically carries a negative connotation of trying to imitate something.

What is the difference between a true copy and a duplicate copy? ›

This copy of the document is made from an original document, and has a certificate attached to it which says that the person who made the copy has compared the copy to the original, which they have seen. A true copy is simply a copy made from an original document, without the certification attached to it.

What is the closest meaning of duplicate? ›

Some common synonyms of duplicate are copy, facsimile, replica, and reproduction. While all these words mean "a thing made to closely resemble another," duplicate implies a double or counterpart exactly corresponding to another thing.

Does duplicate mean repeat? ›

verb (used with object)

, du·pli·cat·ed, du·pli·cat·ing. to make an exact copy of. to do or perform again; repeat: He duplicated his father's way of standing with his hands in his pockets. to double; make twofold.

What is the difference between a copy and a replica? ›

A replica is a copy of the original, but usually a different size, but still proportional. There is a replica of the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas. A reproduction is also a copy, but usually for art. The Mona Lisa in the Louvre is the original, not a reproduction.

What is the difference between copy paste and copy? ›

Either way, pasting puts the stored object in the new place. With cut, it's moved to the new place, with copy, the original is still at the old place too. In short, ctrl-C - ctrl-V = Copy, keep original in old place, ctrl-X - ctrl-V = Cut, actually move object to the new place.

What is the difference between paste and duplicate? ›

"Paste" puts whatever is in the clipboard into the current cursor location. So, if you have copied or cut something, you can paste it elsewhere. Finally, "duplicate" creates an exact copy of the selected item, including any formatting or other properties.

What are the different ways to copy and paste? ›

PC: Ctrl + c for Copy, Ctrl + x for Cut, and Ctrl + v for Paste. Mac: ⌘ + c for Copy, ⌘ + x for Cut, and ⌘ + v for Paste.

What is an example of a duplicate? ›

The word duplicate is useful when you're talking about a copy of something, like a duplicate of your birth certificate that you keep in a file, or a duplicate driver's license that you apply for after losing the original one.

What does it mean in duplicate? ›

: so that there are two copies. We were required to fill out the paperwork in duplicate. 2. : with an exact copy. Please send the contract in duplicate.

What is copy in simple words? ›

: an imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work (such as a letter, a painting, a table, or a dress) 2. : one of a series of especially mechanical reproductions of an original impression. also : an individual example of such a reproduction. 3.

What is another word for copy duplicate? ›

Some common synonyms of duplicate are copy, facsimile, replica, and reproduction.

What is a good sentence for duplicate? ›

Examples from Collins dictionaries

His task will be to duplicate his success overseas here at home. Scientists hope that their findings may be duplicated elsewhere. Charles scored again, with an exact duplicate of his first goal. She found Ned alone in the photocopy room, duplicating some articles.

Which term is used to make duplicate copies? ›

There are two words "original" - something genuine, and "clone" - copy made from original.

Is duplicate copy redundant? ›

The phenomena of occurrence of duplicates is called Redundancy. For Example if name of a student is written 3 times in a file then the last two instances are called DUPLICATES and since same data is present more than once we say REDUNDANCY has occurred.

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