What does "copy" mean?
The result of copying; an identical or nearly identical duplicate of an original.
Copy
/ˈkɒpi/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Top 500 ·Elementary level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The result of copying; an identical or nearly identical duplicate of an original.
- Grammar: copy is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: duplicate, facsimile, replica, replicate.
- Useful contrasts: original artwork, original mix, original musical piece.
- Usage evidence: The picture you are looking at is a copy of a Picasso.
How to use "copy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "copy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "copy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "copy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "copy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "copy" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "duplicate" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "copy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The result of copying; an identical or nearly identical duplicate of an original.
"Please bring me at least 200 copies of this report. The photocopier is down the hall on the right."
- 2 a thing made to be similar or identical to another thing wordnet
- 3 The result of copying; an identical or nearly identical duplicate of an original.; The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
"Every cell in this organism contains a copy of each gene, but whether that copy will be expressed depends on complex factors of cell differentiation and epigenetics."
- 4 matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials wordnet
- 5 An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
"That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different."
Show 13 more definitions
- 6 a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record) wordnet
- 7 The text (words, content) that is to be typeset or similarly prepared and published.
"This organization doesn't publish any copy that hasn't been edited by a good copy editor."
- 8 material suitable for a journalistic account wordnet
- 9 The text (words, content) that is to be typeset or similarly prepared and published.; The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
- 10 The text (words, content) that is to be typeset or similarly prepared and published.; The text to be set into newspaper articles, magazine pages, or similar. uncountable
"Submit all copy to the appropriate editor."
- 11 A person employed to carry copy and run errands.
- 12 A schoolwork pad or workbook.
"Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy."
- 13 A particular instance of a book: a single printed impression or digital file representing it.
"Our town's public library has several copies of the Bible, in each of several editions."
- 14 A particular instance of an issue of a periodical (e.g., magazine, journal, bulletin): a single printed impression or digital file representing that issue; (metonynmically) the issue.
"Have you seen the latest copy of Newsweek yet?"
- 15 Writing paper of a particular size: Synonym of bastard. archaic
- 16 That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example. obsolete
"His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation."
- 17 An abundance or plenty of anything. obsolete
"[S]he was bleſt with no more Copie of wit, but to ſerue his Humor thus."
- 18 copyhold; tenure; lease. obsolete
"But in them nature's copy's not eterne"
Verb
- 1 To produce an object identical to a given object. transitive
"Please copy these reports for me."
- 2 make a replica of wordnet
- 3 To give or transmit a copy to (a person). transitive
"Make sure you copy me on that important memo."
- 4 reproduce or make an exact copy of wordnet
- 5 To place a copy of an object in memory for later use. transitive
"First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory."
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 reproduce someone's behavior or looks wordnet
- 7 To imitate. transitive
"Don't copy my dance moves."
- 8 copy down as is wordnet
- 9 To receive a transmission successfully.
"Do you copy?"
Antonyms
original artworkoriginal mixoriginal musical pieceoriginal painting
Example
"The picture you are looking at is a copy of a Picasso."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "copy"?
Common synonyms include: duplicate, facsimile, replica, replicate, reproduction, abstract.
How do you use "copy" in a sentence?
The picture you are looking at is a copy of a Picasso.
How do you pronounce "copy"?
Pronounced /ˈkɒpi/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Etymology tree Middle English copy English copy From Middle English copy, copie, from Old French copie (“abundance, plenty; transcript, copy”), from Medieval Latin copia (“reproduction, transcript”), from Latin cōpia (“plenty, abundance”), from *coopia, from co- (“together”) + ops (“wealth, riches”). More at opulent.
Etymology 2
Etymology tree Latin cōps Latin -ia Latin cōpia Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti Proto-Italic *-āō Latin -ō Latin cōpiō Old French copierbor. Middle English copien English copy From Middle English copien, from Old French copier and Medieval Latin cōpiō.
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