Reproduction vs. Copy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 25, 2024
Reproduction involves recreating something close to the original, often biologically, while a copy is an exact replica, usually made using mechanical or digital methods.
Difference Between Reproduction and Copy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reproduction refers to the biological process by which new organisms are produced from their parents, reflecting genetic, physical, and behavioral traits. On the other hand, a copy is primarily associated with duplicating inanimate objects or data, emphasizing exactness and replication without genetic variations.
In art, reproduction can mean replicating a piece in a way that may capture the essence but not the exact details of the original, using techniques like painting or sculpting. Whereas, a copy in this context would mean an exact duplicate, often achieved through processes like photocopying or digital reproduction.
Reproduction in biology is essential for the survival and evolution of species, involving complex processes like mating, fertilization, and growth. Conversely, copying is a human-made process used in various contexts to preserve, distribute, or replicate materials and information.
The term reproduction can also refer to the act of producing a sound or image from electronic signals, such as in television or radio. In contrast, a copy in technology refers to creating an identical digital file or document.
Reproduction often involves a level of skill or biological mechanisms, aiming to achieve a degree of similarity rather than exactness. On the other hand, copying is generally a technical process, aiming for precision and maintaining the integrity of the original.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Creation of a new, similar entity
Exact duplication of an original
Process
Biological or artistic
Mechanical, digital, or technical
Purpose
Continuation of species, artistic homage
Preservation, exact duplication
Variation
Involves variations (genetic or artistic)
No variations, exact replica
Skills Required
Biological mechanisms, artistic creativity
Technical skills, precise methodologies
Compare with Definitions
Reproduction
The action of making a copy of a work of art.
The museum displayed a reproduction of Van Gogh’s painting.
Copy
A thing made to be similar or identical to another.
She handed out a copy of the report to everyone at the meeting.
Reproduction
A version of something that is not the original.
The designer created a reproduction of an 18th-century desk.
Copy
The result of copying, especially a document or a file.
I saved a copy of the file to my external hard drive.
Reproduction
The production of a sound or image by electronic means.
High-quality audio equipment is necessary for accurate sound reproduction.
Copy
To make a duplicate of digital data.
Please copy the folder to the backup server.
Reproduction
The act of producing something again.
The reproduction of the document was necessary for the meeting.
Copy
In publishing, one instance of a book or issue of a magazine.
The library ordered 20 copies of the new bestseller.
Reproduction
Reproduction (or procreation or breeding) is the biological process by which new individual organisms – "offspring" – are produced from their "parent" or parents. Reproduction is a fundamental feature of all known life; each individual organism exists as the result of reproduction.
Copy
A reproduction of a work of art, typically an exact one.
The gallery features copies of famous paintings.
Reproduction
The act of reproducing or the condition or process of being reproduced.
Copy
A thing made to be similar or identical to another
The problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy
Reproduction
Something reproduced, especially in the faithfulness of its resemblance to the form and elements of the original
A fine reproduction of a painting by Matisse.
Copy
A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue
The record has sold more than a million copies
Reproduction
The act of reproducing new individuals biologically.
Copy
Matter to be printed
Copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month
Reproduction
The act of making copies.
Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
Copy
A blank booklet or notebook used for schoolwork
You need a stock of exercise copies, A4 refill pads, and maths copies
Examinees will not be allowed to take pens, copies, or water bottles inside the test centre
Reproduction
A copy of something, as in a piece of art; a duplicate.
Copy
Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce
Each form had to be copied and sent to a different department
Reproduction
(computing) A method for reproducing a bug or problem.
Copy
Imitate the style or behaviour of
Lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue
Art students copied from approved old masters
Reproduction
The act or process of reproducing; the state of being reproduced
Copy
Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter
This is Edwards, do you copy, over
Reproduction
That which is reproduced.
Copy
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
Reproduction
The process of generating offspring
Copy
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
Reproduction
Recall that is hypothesized to work by storing the original stimulus input and reproducing it during recall
Copy
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
Reproduction
Copy that is not the original; something that has been copied
Copy
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Reproduction
The act of making copies;
Gutenberg's reproduction of holy texts was far more efficient
Copy
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Copy
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Copy
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
Copy
To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.
Copy
To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.
Copy
To make a copy or copies.
Copy
To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.
Copy
To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.
Copy
The result of copying; an identical duplicate of an original.
Please bring me the copies of those reports.
Copy
An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
Copy
(journalism) The text that is to be typeset.
Copy
(journalism) A gender-neutral abbreviation for copy boy.
Copy
The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
Copy
(uncountable) The text of newspaper articles.
Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
Copy
A school work pad.
Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
Copy
A printed edition of a book or magazine.
Have you seen the latest copy of "Newsweek" yet?
The library has several copies of the Bible.
Copy
Writing paper of a particular size, called also bastard.
Copy
(obsolete) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Copy
(obsolete) An abundance or plenty of anything.
Copy
(obsolete) copyhold; tenure; lease
Copy
(genetics) The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
Copy
(transitive) To produce an object identical to a given object.
Please copy these reports for me.
Copy
(transitive) To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
Copy
To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
Copy
(transitive) To imitate.
Don't copy my dance moves.
Mom, he's copying me!
Copy
(radio) To receive a transmission successfully.
Do you copy?
Copy
An abundance or plenty of anything.
She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.
Copy
An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work; as, a copy of a letter, an engraving, a painting, or a statue.
I have not the vanity to think my copy equal to the original.
Copy
An individual book, or a single set of books containing the works of an author; as, a copy of the Bible; a copy of the works of Addison.
Copy
That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters.
Copy
Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy.
Copy
A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.
Copy
Copyhold; tenure; lease.
Copy
To make a copy or copies of; to write; print, engrave, or paint after an original; to duplicate; to reproduce; to transcribe; as, to copy a manuscript, inscription, design, painting, etc.; - often with out, sometimes with off.
I like the work well; ere it be demanded(As like enough it will), I'd have it copied.
Let this be copied out,And keep it safe for our remembrance.
Copy
To imitate; to attempt to resemble, as in manners or course of life.
We copy instinctively the voices of our companions, their accents, and their modes of pronunciation.
Copy
To make a copy or copies; to imitate.
Copy
To yield a duplicate or transcript; as, the letter did not copy well.
Some . . . never fail, when they copy, to follow the bad as well as the good things.
Copy
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
Copy
A secondary representation of an original;
She made a copy of the designer dress
Copy
Matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials
Copy
Material suitable for a journalistic account;
Catastrophes make good copy
Copy
Copy down as is;
The students were made to copy the alphabet over and over
Copy
Reproduce someone's behavior or looks;
The mime imitated the passers-by
Children often copy their parents or older siblings
Copy
Biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
Replicate the cell
Copy the genetic information
Copy
Make a replica of;
Copy that drawing
Re-create a picture by Rembrandt
Common Curiosities
Is a copy always identical to the original?
In most contexts, yes, a copy is intended to be an exact replica of the original, especially in digital or printed forms.
What are common methods of making copies in the digital age?
Common methods include photocopying, scanning, and digital file duplication.
What is the main difference between reproduction and copy?
Reproduction involves creating something new that is similar, often biologically or artistically, while copying is about creating an exact duplicate, typically through mechanical or digital methods.
How has digital technology influenced the concept of a copy?
Digital technology has made it easier and faster to produce exact copies, significantly impacting fields like data management and intellectual property.
How does reproduction contribute to biological diversity?
Biological reproduction introduces genetic variations, which contribute to the diversity and adaptability of species.
Can reproduction involve creativity?
Yes, artistic reproductions often involve a level of creativity to capture the essence of the original work.
What role does reproduction play in ecosystems?
Reproduction is crucial for the survival and maintenance of biodiversity within ecosystems.
Are there legal issues associated with making copies of artwork?
Yes, copying artwork can infringe on copyright laws, unless the original work is in the public domain or permission has been granted.
How do reproductive technologies impact human reproduction?
Reproductive technologies can assist in overcoming fertility issues, enabling conception through methods such as IVF.
Is a digital file considered a copy or a reproduction?
A digital file is considered a copy when it is an exact duplicate of another file, maintaining the integrity of the original data.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
