Copying: meaning, definitions and examples

This is used when you reproduce something exactly as it is, often common in academic or artistic contexts. It can also imply taking someone else's work without permission and is viewed negatively.

• She got into trouble for copying another student's homework
• I spent hours copying the painting to get every detail right

Typically used in technical or manufacturing scenarios where an exact replica of an object or document is produced. It can also be used in an administrative context.

• The company is duplicating keys for the new employees
• Please make sure to duplicate all the important files before the meeting

Often used in scientific, biological, or technical contexts where exact reproduction is necessary to achieve the same results or verify findings. It can be used in formal and professional settings.

• The lab is replicating the experiment to confirm the results
• Scientists are replicating the conditions of the study to verify its accuracy

This usually involves copying the behavior, style, or appearance of someone or something, often out of admiration or for the purpose of learning. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if it suggests a lack of originality.

• The child was imitating his father's gestures
• Many small businesses are imitating the marketing strategies of larger companies

Use this word for general situations where you are creating a replication of something, such as text, images, or documents.

• She was busy copying the notes from the board.
• Copying the file to another folder is quick.

Duplicating can be used in both everyday and technical contexts and often implies making more than one copy. It is often used in the context of documents, records, or digital files.

• She is duplicating the documents for the meeting.
• Duplicating the key will take a few minutes.

Reproducing is most commonly used in contexts involving creation or generation, like art, music, sound, and biological processes. It can also be used to talk about imitating a certain style or detail.

• The artist is known for reproducing classic paintings.
• Reproducing the exact sound of a live concert in a recording is challenging.

Cloning is often used in biological or technical contexts, such as in science for duplicating genetic material or in technology for duplicating data or devices. It implies an exact duplicate down to the smallest detail.

• Scientists are cloning animals to study genetics.
• They are working on cloning the hard drive for data recovery.

Use when referring to reproducing text, data, or artwork exactly as it is, usually for personal or official use.

• Copying notes from the blackboard, copying a document on the copier

Use in a similar way to 'copying,' but often implies creating an exact replica and is commonly used in technical or official contexts.

• Duplicating keys, duplicating files on a computer

Often used in reference to creating a copy of something in various formats, particularly in scientific, historical, or technical contexts. Can also mean producing offspring.

• Reproducing ancient manuscripts, reproducing a classic painting, the organisms reproduce by dividing

Typically used to describe adopting or mimicking someone's actions, behaviors, or styles, often in a less favorable light.

• The child was imitating his father's gestures, she was accused of imitating the artist's style