replica
REP-lih-kuh
/ˈrɛplɪkə/
An exact copy or model of something, especially one on a smaller scale.
Unlike a forgery, a replica is an honest, open copy made for display, education, or recreation, without the intent to deceive.
The story behind the word. In the 19th-century art world, a 'replica' was specifically a copy of a painting made by the original artist who painted the first one. It comes from the Latin 'replicare', meaning 'to fold back' or 'repeat.' Eventually, the term expanded to mean any high-quality copy of a three-dimensional object.
Word relationships
- reproduction: Reproduction is a general term for copying something, while replica often implies an exact, high-quality duplicate of a specific object.
- facsimile: Facsimile is used almost exclusively for exact copies of written or printed documents, whereas replica is used for three-dimensional objects.
- original: The original is the first, unique creation from which copies or replicas are made.
Commonly confused with
- forgery: A forgery is a copy made illegally to deceive people into believing it is genuine, while a replica is made openly and honestly.
Word family
- replicate (verb): To make an exact copy of; reproduce.
- replication (noun): The action of copying or reproducing something.
Collocations
- exact replica
- scale replica
- perfect replica
- replica watch
Example sentences
- "Because the original medieval sword was too fragile to display, the museum exhibited a highly detailed replica." A museum display description.
- "He spent three years building a scale replica of the Titanic out of thousands of wooden matches." A hobbyist building historical models.
Memory hook
Think of 'repeat' + 'clay'. If you 'repeat' a sculpture in 'clay', you have made a 'replica'. An honest, exact copy.
When not to use
Do not use if the copy is intended to trick people into thinking it is the original; that is a 'forgery' or 'counterfeit'.
Fun facts
- The replica of the Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee, is a full-scale copy of the original Athenian temple, complete with a 42-foot statue of Athena.
Related words
Explore more words
replicate, counterfeit, replication, knockoff, forgery, fabrication
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