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copy

n. · v.
US //ˈkɑpi// UK //kˈɒpi// copy
  1. 1 a duplicate (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    something that is made to look exactly like another thing.

    an identical or nearly identical reproduction of an original object, document, or digital file.

    Example

    I made a copy of the house keys so my roommate could have a set.

    Example

    The archivist insisted on making a high-resolution digital copy of the manuscript before allowing any further physical handling of the fragile original.
  2. 2 an individual book or magazine (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    one single example of a book, newspaper, or magazine.

    a single specimen of a particular publication or edition.

    Example

    The library has three copies of the new novel available to borrow.

    Example

    The author spent the afternoon signing copies of her latest biography for a long queue of eager readers at the local bookstore.
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  1. 3 written text for publication (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    the words written for an advertisement, a newspaper, or a website.

    textual matter intended for printing or publication, particularly in journalism or advertising. Uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    The marketing team needs to finish the ad copy by tomorrow morning.

    Example

    The editor rejected the initial draft, claiming the copy was too dry and failed to engage the magazine's target demographic.
  2. 4 to duplicate (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to make something that is exactly like something else.

    to produce a duplicate of an original; in computing, to transfer data to a buffer or another location.

    Example

    Please copy these documents and hand them out to everyone in the meeting.

    Example

    The software allows users to copy entire directories to an external drive with a single command, ensuring a reliable backup of all essential data.
  3. 5 to imitate (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to behave or do something in the same way as another person.

    to follow as a pattern or model; to mimic the actions or style of another.

    Example

    Young children often copy the way their parents speak and move.

    Example

    The apprentice spent years trying to copy his master's unique brushwork before finally developing a style of his own.
  4. 6 to send a duplicate message (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to send a message or email to someone who is not the main receiver.

    to send a duplicate of a communication to a third party, often using the 'CC' function in email.

    Example

    Could you copy me on that email so I can stay updated on the project?

    Example

    The manager requested to be copied in on all correspondence regarding the contract negotiations to ensure transparency across the department.

    Usage

    Often used with 'in' as in 'copy someone in'.
    • CC
  5. 7 to hear clearly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to hear and understand a message over a radio.

    to receive and understand a radio transmission successfully.

    Example

    Loud and clear, I copy you.

    Example

    The pilot confirmed the instructions from the control tower with a brief 'copy that' before beginning the final approach to the runway.
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 Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *-ios Old Latin -ios Latin -ius 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.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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