Double vs. Duplicate — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 6, 2024
Double emphasizes multiplication by two or enhancement, whereas duplicate refers to an exact copy or reproduction of something.
Difference Between Double and Duplicate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Double signifies an increase or multiplication by two, highlighting growth or enhancement in quantity or intensity. On the other hand, duplicate implies the creation of an exact copy or replica of something, focusing on the aspect of replication without alteration.
When used as verbs, to double means to increase something twofold, suggesting augmentation or expansion. Conversely, to duplicate means to make an identical copy or reproduction of something, emphasizing precision and similarity.
In mathematics, doubling a number means to multiply it by two, a straightforward operation that enhances the original value. Meanwhile, duplicating something in a more general context means creating a one-to-one match with the original, ensuring every detail is precisely replicated.
The concept of double can also imply a dual role or function, suggesting versatility or multiplicity in use or meaning. In contrast, duplicate focuses on the fidelity of replication, ensuring that the copy is as close to the original as possible, without any addition or variation.
In everyday language, double might refer to a quantity that is twice as large or an action performed twice, whereas duplicate often appears in contexts requiring exactness in copying documents, data, or objects, highlighting the importance of accuracy and consistency.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Increase by two or serve two roles
Exact copy or replica
Verb Use
To increase twofold
To make an identical copy
Context
Growth, enhancement, versatility
Replication, precision, similarity
Mathematics
Multiplication by two
Creating an identical set or copy
Implication
Enhancement or multiplicity
Fidelity to the original
Compare with Definitions
Double
To increase or become twice as much in size, amount, or number.
He decided to double the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Duplicate
To reproduce something precisely.
The artist was able to duplicate the painting flawlessly.
Double
Serving two roles or functions.
She found a coat that doubles as a rain jacket.
Duplicate
An exact copy of something.
She made a duplicate of the document for the records.
Double
A quantity or thing that is twice as large or many.
They needed a double amount of paint for the second coat.
Duplicate
To repeat an action or procedure.
The experiment was duplicated to verify the results.
Double
In card games, to increase the stakes.
Feeling lucky, he chose to double down.
Duplicate
Having two identical parts or copies.
The key came with a duplicate for safekeeping.
Double
To bend over or fold.
She had to double the fabric to create the hem.
Duplicate
In computing, to create a copy of data.
He duplicated the files to an external hard drive.
Double
Consisting of two equal, identical, or similar parts or things
Double doors
Duplicate
Identically copied from an original.
Double
Lower in pitch by an octave.
Duplicate
Existing or growing in two corresponding parts; double.
Double
At or to twice the amount or extent
You have to be careful, and this counts double for older people
Duplicate
Denoting a manner of play in cards in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end
Duplicate bridge.
Double
A thing which is twice as large as usual or is made up of two standard units or things
Join the two sleeping bags together to make a double
Duplicate
An identical copy; a facsimile.
Double
A person who looks exactly like another
You could pass yourself off as his double
Duplicate
One that corresponds exactly to another, especially an original.
Double
(especially in tennis and badminton) a game or competition involving sides made up of two players
The semi-finals of the doubles
Duplicate
(Games) A card game in which partnerships or teams play the same deals and compare scores at the end.
Double
A system of change-ringing using five bells, with two pairs changing places each time.
Duplicate
To make an exact copy of.
Double
A pair of victories in the same sport in two different competitions
Manchester United won the double twice
Duplicate
To make twofold; double.
Double
A number or amount which is twice as large as a contrasting or usual number or amount
He paid double and had a room all to himself
Duplicate
To make or perform again; repeat
A hard feat to duplicate.
Double
Become twice as much or as many
Profits doubled in one year
Duplicate
To become duplicate.
Double
Fold or bend (paper, cloth, or other material) over on itself
The muslin is doubled and then laid in a sieve over the bowl
Duplicate
Being the same as another; identical, often having been copied from an original.
This is a duplicate entry.
Double
Be used in or play another, different role
A laser printer doubles as a photocopier
Duplicate
(games) In which the hands of cards, tiles, etc. are preserved between rounds to be played again by other players.
Duplicate whist
Duplicate Scrabble
Double
Twice as much in size, strength, number, or amount
A double dose.
Duplicate
(transitive) To make a copy of.
If we duplicate the information, are we really accomplishing much?
Can you duplicate this kind of key?
Double
Composed of two like parts
Double doors.
Duplicate
(transitive) To do repeatedly; to do again.
You don't need to duplicate my efforts.
Double
Composed of two unlike parts; dual
A double meaning.
A double role for an actor.
Duplicate
(transitive) To produce something equal to.
He found it hard to duplicate the skills of his wife.
Double
Accommodating or designed for two
A double bed.
A double room.
Duplicate
One that resembles or corresponds to another; an identical copy.
This is a duplicate, but a very good replica.
Double
Characterized by duplicity; deceitful
Speak with a double tongue.
Duplicate
(legal) An original instrument repeated; a document which is the same as another in all essential particulars, and differing from a mere copy in having all the validity of an original
Double
(Botany) Having many more than the usual number of petals, usually in a crowded or an overlapping arrangement
A double chrysanthemum.
Duplicate
A pawnbroker's ticket, which must be shown when redeeming a pledged item.
Double
Something increased twofold.
Duplicate
(uncountable) The game of duplicate bridge.
Double
One that closely resembles another; a duplicate.
Duplicate
(uncountable) The game of duplicate Scrabble.
Double
Something having two identifiable or prominent parts or members.
Duplicate
A biological specimen that was gathered alongside another specimen and represents the same species.
Double
Something capable of carrying, moving, or holding two people or things, as a mattress.
Duplicate
Double; twofold.
Double
An actor's understudy.
Duplicate
That which exactly resembles or corresponds to something else; another, correspondent to the first; hence, a copy; a transcript; a counterpart.
I send a duplicate both of it and my last dispatch.
Double
An actor who takes the place of another actor in scenes requiring special skills or preparations
A stunt double.
A body double.
Duplicate
An original instrument repeated; a document which is the same as another in all essential particulars, and differing from a mere copy in having all the validity of an original.
Double
An apparition; a wraith.
Duplicate
To double; to fold; to render double.
Double
A sharp turn in a direction of movement; a reversal.
Duplicate
To make a duplicate of (something); to make a copy or transcript of.
Double
A sharp, often devious change in position or argument; a shift.
Duplicate
To divide into two by natural growth or spontaneous action; as, infusoria duplicate themselves.
Double
Doubles(Sports) A form of a game, such as tennis or handball, having two players on each side.
Duplicate
Something additional of the same kind;
He always carried extras in case of an emergency
Double
(Baseball) A hit enabling the batter to reach second base. Also called two-bagger, two-base hit.
Duplicate
A copy that corresponds to an original exactly;
He made a duplicate for the files
Double
A bid in bridge indicating strength to one's partner; a request for a bid.
Duplicate
Make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick
Double
A bid doubling one's opponent's bid in bridge, thus increasing the penalty for failure to fulfill the contract.
Duplicate
Duplicate or match;
The polished surface twinned his face and chest in reverse
Double
A hand justifying such a bid.
Duplicate
Make a duplicate or duplicates of;
Could you please duplicate this letter for me?
Double
To make twice as great.
Duplicate
Increase twofold;
The population doubled within 50 years
Double
To be twice as much as
Doubled the score of his opponent.
Duplicate
Identically copied from an original;
A duplicate key
Double
To fold in two.
Duplicate
Being two identical
Double
To clench (one's fist).
Double
To duplicate; repeat.
Double
To turn (an enemy spy) into a double agent.
Double
To cause the scoring of (a run) by hitting a double.
Double
To advance or score (a runner) by hitting a double.
Double
To put out (a runner) as the second part of a double play.
Double
(Games) To challenge (an opponent's bid) with a double in bridge.
Double
(Music) To duplicate (another part or voice) an octave higher or lower or in unison.
Double
(Nautical) To sail around
Double a cape.
Double
To be increased twofold
The debt soon doubled.
Double
To turn sharply or all the way around; reverse one's course
Had to double back to touch the missed base.
Double
To serve in an additional capacity
A frying pan that doubles as a pie tin.
A conductor who doubles as a pianist.
Double
To replace an actor in the actor's absence or in a certain scene.
Double
(Baseball) To hit a double.
Double
(Games) To announce a double in bridge.
Double
To twice the amount or extent; doubly
Paid double for the customized car.
Double
Two together; in pairs
Sleeping double.
Double
In two
Bent double.
Double
Made up of two matching or complementary elements.
The closet has double doors.
Double
Of twice the quantity.
Give me a double serving of mashed potatoes.
Double
Of a family relationship, related on both the maternal and paternal sides of a family.
He's my double cousin as my mother's sister married my father's brother.
Double
Designed for two users.
A double room
Double
Folded in two; composed of two layers.
Double
Stooping; bent over.
Double
Having two aspects; ambiguous.
A double meaning
Double
False, deceitful, or hypocritical.
A double life
Double
Of flowers, having more than the normal number of petals.
Double
(music) Of an instrument, sounding an octave lower.
A double bass
Double
(music) Of time, twice as fast.
Double
Twice over; twofold; doubly.
Double
Two together; two at a time. (especially in see double)
There are only a few beds, so some of the children will have to sleep double for the night.
Double
Twice the number, amount, size, etc.
Double
A person who resembles and stands in for another person, often for safety purposes
Saddam Hussein was rumored to have many doubles.
Double
A drink with two portions of alcohol.
On second thought, make that a double.
Double
A ghostly apparition of a living person; a doppelgänger.
Double
A sharp turn, especially a return on one's own tracks.
Double
A redundant item for which an identical item already exists.
I have more than 200 stamps in my collection but they're not all unique: some are doubles.
Before printing the photos, Liam deleted the doubles.
Double
(baseball) A two-base hit.
The catcher hit a double to lead off the ninth.
Double
(bridge) A call that increases certain scoring points if the last preceding bid becomes the contract.
Double
(billiards) A strike in which the object ball is struck so as to make it rebound against the cushion to an opposite pocket.
Double
A bet on two horses in different races in which any winnings from the first race are placed on the horse in the later race.
Double
(darts) The narrow outermost ring on a dartboard.
Double
(darts) A hit on this ring.
Double
(dominoes) A tile that has the same value (i.e., the same number of pips) on both sides.
Double
A double-precision floating-point number.
The sine function returns a double.
Double
(soccer) Two competitions, usually one league and one cup, won by the same team in a single season.
Double
(rowing) A boat for two scullers.
Double
(sports) The feat of scoring twice in one game.
Double
The feat of winning two events in a single meet or competition.
In 1996, Michael Johnson achieved a double by winning both the 200 and 400 meter dashes.
Double
(historical) A former French coin worth one-sixth of a sou.
Double
A copper coin worth one-eighth of a penny.
Double
(music) Playing the same part on two instruments, alternately.
Double
(Christianity) A double feast.
Double
Synonym of double-quick
Double
(transitive) To multiply by two.
The company doubled their earnings per share over last quarter.
Double
(intransitive) To increase by 100%, to become twice as large in size.
Our earnings have doubled in the last year.
Double
To be the double of; to exceed by twofold; to contain or be worth twice as much as.
Double
(transitive) To fold over so as to make two folds.
To make a pleat, double the material at the waist.
Double
(transitive) (sometimes followed by up) To clench (a fist).
Double
(baseball) To get a two-base hit.
The batter doubled into the corner.
Double
(transitive) (often followed by together or up) To join or couple.
Double
(transitive) To repeat exactly; copy.
Double
To serve a second role or have a second purpose.
A spork is a kind of fork that doubles as a spoon.
Double
To act as substitute for (another theatrical performer in a certain role, etc).
Double
(theatre) To play (both one part and another, in the same play, etc).
Double
(intransitive) To turn sharply, following a winding course.
Double
(nautical) To sail around (a headland or other point).
Double
(music) To duplicate (a part) either in unison or at the octave above or below it.
Double
To be capable of performing (upon an additional instrument).
Double
(bridge) To make a call that will double certain scoring points if the preceding bid becomes the contract.
Double
To double down.
Double
To cause (a ball) to rebound from a cushion before entering the pocket.
Double
(intransitive) To go or march at twice the normal speed.
Double
(transitive) To multiply the strength or effect of by two.
Sorry, this store does not double coupons.
Double
(military) To unite, as ranks or files, so as to form one from each two.
Double
To transmit simultaneously on the same channel as another station, either unintentionally or deliberately, causing interference.
Could you please repeat your last transmission? Another station was doubling with you.
Double
To operate as a double agent.
Double
Twofold; multiplied by two; increased by its equivalent; made twice as large or as much, etc.
Let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
Darkness and tempest make a double night.
Double
Being in pairs; presenting two of a kind, or two in a set together; coupled.
[Let] The swan, on still St. Mary's lake,Float double, swan and shadow.
Double
Divided into two; acting two parts, one openly and the other secretly; equivocal; deceitful; insincere.
With a double heart do they speak.
Double
Having the petals in a flower considerably increased beyond the natural number, usually as the result of cultivation and the expense of the stamens, or stamens and pistils. The white water lily and some other plants have their blossoms naturally double.
Double
Twice; doubly.
I was double their age.
Double
To increase by adding an equal number, quantity, length, value, or the like; multiply by two; as, to double a sum of money; to double a number, or length.
Double six thousand, and then treble that.
Double
To make of two thicknesses or folds by turning or bending together in the middle; to fold one part upon another part of; as, to double the leaf of a book, and the like; to clinch, as the fist; - often followed by up; as, to double up a sheet of paper or cloth.
Then the old manWas wroth, and doubled up his hands.
Double
To be the double of; to exceed by twofold; to contain or be worth twice as much as.
Thus reënforced, against the adverse fleet,Still doubling ours, brave Rupert leads the way.
Double
To pass around or by; to march or sail round, so as to reverse the direction of motion.
Sailing along the coast, the doubled the promontory of Carthage.
Double
To unite, as ranks or files, so as to form one from each two.
Double
To be increased to twice the sum, number, quantity, length, or value; to increase or grow to twice as much.
'T is observed in particular nations, that within the space of three hundred years, notwithstanding all casualties, the number of men doubles.
Double
To return upon one's track; to turn and go back over the same ground, or in an opposite direction.
Doubling and turning like a hunted hare.
Doubling and doubling with laborious walk.
Double
To play tricks; to use sleights; to play false.
What penalty and danger you accrue,If you be found to double.
Double
To set up a word or words a second time by mistake; to make a doublet.
Double
Twice as much; twice the number, sum, quantity, length, value, and the like.
If the thief be found, let him pay double.
Double
Among compositors, a doublet (see Doublet, 2.); among pressmen, a sheet that is twice pulled, and blurred.
Double
That which is doubled over or together; a doubling; a plait; a fold.
Rolled up in sevenfold doubleOf plagues.
Double
A turn or circuit in running to escape pursues; hence, a trick; a shift; an artifice.
These men are too well acquainted with the chase to be flung off by any false steps or doubles.
Double
A person or thing that is the counterpart of another; a duplicate; copy; (Obs.) transcript; - now chiefly used of persons. Hence, a wraith.
My charming friend . . . has, I am almost sure, a double, who preaches his afternoon sermons for him.
Double
A player or singer who prepares to take the part of another player in his absence; a substitute; - used especially of a person who resembles an actor and takes the actor's place in scenes requiring special skills; as, a stunt double.
Double
Double beer; strong beer.
Double
A feast in which the antiphon is doubled, hat is, said twice, before and after the Psalms, instead of only half being said, as in simple feasts.
Double
A game between two pairs of players; as, a first prize for doubles.
Double
An old term for a variation, as in Bach's Suites.
Double
A base hit on which the batter stops safely at second base;
He hit a double to deep centerfield
Double
A stand-in for movie stars to perform dangerous stunts;
His first job in Hollywood was as a double for Clark Gable
Double
Someone who closely resembles a famous person (especially an actor);
He could be Gingrich's double
She's the very image of her mother
Double
A quantity that is twice as great as another;
36 is the double of 18
Double
Raising the stakes in a card game by a factor of 2;
I decided his double was a bluff
Double
Increase twofold;
The population doubled within 50 years
Double
Hit a two-base hit
Double
Bend over or curl up, usually with laughter or pain;
He doubled and vomited violently
Double
Do double duty; serve two purposes or have two functions;
She doubles as his wife and secretary
Double
Bridge: make a demand for (a card or suit)
Double
Make or do or perform again;
He could never replicate his brilliant performance of the magic trick
Double
Having more than one decidedly dissimilar aspects or qualities;
A double (or dual) role for an actor
The office of a clergyman is twofold; public preaching and private influence
Every episode has its double and treble meaning
Double
Consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs;
An egg with a double yolk
A double (binary) star
Double doors
Dual controls for pilot and copilot
Duple (or double) time consists of two (or a multiple of two) beats to a measure
Double
Twice as great or many;
Ate a double portion
The dose is doubled
A twofold increase
Double
Used of flowers having more than the usual number of petals in crowded or overlapping arrangements;
Double chrysanthemums have many rows of petals and are usually spherical or hemispherical
Double
Used of homologous chromosomes associated in pairs in synapsis
Double
Large enough for two;
A double bed
A double room
Double
Having two meanings with intent to deceive;
A sly double meaning
Spoke with forked tongue
Double
Downward and forward;
He was bent double with pain
Double
Two together;
Some people sleep better double
Double
To double the degree;
She was doubly rewarded
His eyes were double bright
Common Curiosities
How do "double" and "duplicate" function as adjectives?
As adjectives, "double" describes something of twice the amount or with two parts, while "duplicate" refers to something being an exact copy.
Is duplicating always related to physical objects?
No, duplicating can refer to both physical objects and intangible items like data or digital files.
How does doubling affect the original item?
Doubling affects the original by increasing its size, quantity, or value, not by creating a copy.
Can the term "double" imply duplication?
While "double" focuses on quantity or function, it does not inherently imply creating an exact copy like "duplicate" does.
Can a person be a duplicate of another?
In a metaphorical sense, a person could be considered a duplicate of another if they closely mimic their behavior, appearance, or actions.
Is there a situation where doubling and duplicating mean the same?
In general usage, their meanings remain distinct; however, in specific contexts like digital data, doubling space might involve duplicating content, though this is more the exception.
How do "double" and "duplicate" relate to quality?
"Double" does not inherently address quality, focusing on quantity or multiplicity, whereas "duplicate" emphasizes accuracy and the replication of original quality.
What does it mean to duplicate effort?
To duplicate effort means to unnecessarily repeat work or tasks that have already been done, often without realizing the redundancy.
What is the significance of duplication in digital technology?
Duplication in digital technology is crucial for data backup, ensuring information is preserved and can be restored in case of loss.
What is the main difference between doubling and duplicating a document?
Doubling a document would imply increasing its quantity or content, whereas duplicating it means creating an exact copy.
Can doubling be undone?
Yes, the effects of doubling can be undone by dividing the quantity or value by two, returning to the original state.
Can a double serve as a duplicate?
Conceptually, a double can serve a similar function or purpose but does not become a duplicate unless it is an exact copy.
What role does duplication play in scientific research?
Duplication is essential in scientific research for verifying the reproducibility and reliability of results.
How does doubling differ in financial contexts?
In finance, doubling refers to increasing investment or value twofold, which is a growth strategy rather than creating a copy.
What is the environmental impact of duplicating physical items?
Duplicating physical items can increase resource use and waste, highlighting the need for responsible consumption and replication practices.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
