What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
replicate
Example
The artist was able to replicate the famous painting with incredible accuracy. [replicate: verb]
Example
The scientist was able to replicate the results of the previous study. [replicate: verb]
copy
Example
She made a copy of the document for her records. [copy: noun]
Example
He copied the design from the magazine onto his sketchbook. [copied: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Copy is more commonly used than replicate in everyday language. Copy is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while replicate is more specialized and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between replicate and copy?
While replicate is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, copy is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.