What does reduplication mean?
Reduplication is the repetition of a word, sound, or word element, usually with a purpose beyond simple duplication. It is especially important in linguistics, where it describes forms created by repeating all or part of a base word. A familiar example is “night-night,” an affectionate form of “night,” or “go-go,” which can suggest speed, enthusiasm, or reassurance. Reduplication can also create contrasts in meaning or grammatical function: in some African languages, repeating a verb can indicate an action that is less intense, more intense, or otherwise different from the original. Outside linguistics, the term is used more broadly for any deliberate repetition, including rhythmic patterns in speech and music.
nounReduplication is the repetition of a word, word element, or sound, often with a change in meaning or grammatical function. In linguistics, it refers especially to a form formed by repeating all or part of a word.
- The process of repeating a word or part of a word.
- A linguistic form produced by repeating all or part of a word, often with a change in meaning or grammatical function.
- The repetition of an element in a musical, rhythmic, or other patterned structure.
"The reduplication of a verb can change its meaning, as in the distinction between “she has a cat” and “she has a cat-cat.”"
"Reduplication is common in informal English, as in “bye-bye” and “night-night.”"
"The linguist analyzed the partial reduplication of the word “good” in “goody-goody.”"
Used when referring to multiple examples of the process or to multiple repeated linguistic forms.
"The study compares reduplications in several unrelated languages."
Reduplication turns repetition into meaning: “go-go” is not merely “go” twice, but can describe rapid movement, enthusiastic activity, or a reassuring phrase.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reduplication come from?
The word comes from Latin reduplicatio, a noun meaning “a doubling” or “repetition,” derived from reduplicare, meaning “to duplicate again.” The Latin root combines re-, meaning “again,” with duplicare, meaning “to double.” The English term entered learned usage in the early modern period, and its more technical linguistic sense developed alongside the study of word formation.
Related word forms
How reduplication is actually used
In general usage, reduplication often implies repetition, doubling, or multiplication. In linguistics, it has a more technical sense involving the formal repetition of word elements, including initial and partial reduplication.