paperback
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a book that has a thin, flexible paper cover instead of a stiff one.
n.a book bound with a flexible paper or cardstock cover, as opposed to a rigid board binding.
Simple“I prefer buying paperbacks because they are lighter to carry in my bag.”
In context“The novel was originally released as a luxury hardback, but the publisher issued a mass-market paperback six months later to reach a wider audience.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
adj.describes a book that has a flexible paper cover.
adj.referring to a book format characterized by a flexible paper binding; non-gradable.
Simple“The bookstore has a large section for paperback novels.”
In context“The library's paperback collection is frequently updated with the latest contemporary fiction releases.”
SynonymssoftcoverAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
v.to print and sell a book in a paperback version.
v.to issue or re-release a literary work in a paperback format. Transitive — takes the book title or author as an object.
Simple“The publisher decided to paperback the biography after it became a bestseller.”
In context“The decision to paperback the academic series allowed the press to market the titles directly to undergraduate students at a more accessible price point.”
From paper + back, a shortening of the older term paper-backed book.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.