"Replicate" vs. "imitate": mirror images or different echoes?

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 03/10/2024, 01:52

English.me team member

Replicate and imitate. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both words involve copying or mimicking something.

What is different?

Replicate implies creating an exact copy, often used in scientific or technical contexts. Imitate suggests mimicking the appearance or behavior of something, often used in artistic or behavioral contexts.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Replicate

Scientists aim to replicate the experiment to verify the results.
The software can replicate the data across multiple devices.

Imitate

Children often imitate the behavior of adults.
The artist's work imitates the style of the famous painter.