Copy
/ˈkɒpi/
Definitions
4 meaningsA thing made to be similar to another. A single instance of a text.
/ˈkɒpi/
An imitation or reproduction of something.
Could I get a copy of the contract?
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a favorite drawing. If you make another one that looks the same, that second drawing is a copy! It's like a twin.
👶 For kids: A copy is something that looks just like something else!
More Examples
The artist made a copy of the famous painting.
The store made several copies of the key.
How It's Used
"I need a copy of the document."
"The printer produced multiple copies."
"The newspaper's front-page copy was well-written."
Written material that is intended to be printed or published.
/ˈkɒpi/
Text intended to be printed or published.
The copy for the brochure was written by a professional copywriter.
💡 Simply: When someone is writing an advertisement or a book, the words they are writing are called the copy. It's all the text!
👶 For kids: The words in a book or an advertisement are called copy!
More Examples
The newspaper editor proofread the copy before publication.
The copy on the billboard was very catchy.
How It's Used
"The ad's copy was short but effective."
"The copy was edited before going to print."
To reproduce something exactly, or to create a similar version.
/ˈkɒpi/
To make a duplicate of something.
Please copy this document for me.
💡 Simply: Imagine you find a cool drawing and you want to make the exact same one. Copying is when you make something that is exactly like something else.
👶 For kids: Copying means to make something exactly like the original!
More Examples
He copied the notes from the textbook.
You can copy the file from your computer to your phone.
How It's Used
"I'll copy the file onto your USB drive."
"To copy and paste the text."
"She copied the document on the office machine."
To imitate someone's behavior or work.
/ˈkɒpi/
He was found to be copying the essay from an online source.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're trying to do something just like someone else, like their actions or the things they do.
👶 For kids: Copying means to do what someone else does.
More Examples
The child was copying the older sibling's actions.
She copied the style of a famous artist.
How It's Used
"The student was accused of copying another student's work."
"She began her career copying master paintings."
Idioms & expressions
copy and paste
To transfer text or data from one place to another on a computer.
"I just copy and pasted the address into the search bar."
From Latin *copia* ('abundance, plenty'), via Old French *copie*. The verb developed from the noun.
The word 'copy' has been used since the 14th century, initially meaning 'abundance' and gradually evolving to its present meanings.
Memory tip
Think of making a replica: A 'copy' is a duplicate.