Copula: meaning, definitions and examples
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copula
[ ˈkɒpjʊlə ]
grammar term
A copula is a word used to link the subject of a sentence with a subject complement. In English, the most common copula is the verb 'to be.' It serves as a connection between the subject and its description or identification. The use of copulas is essential in forming sentences that express states of being or identity. Other languages may have different copula forms, and some may not even use them explicitly.
Synonyms
connecting verb, linking verb
Examples of usage
- She is a teacher.
- They are happy.
- The sky is blue.
Translations
Translations of the word "copula" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cópula
- ligação
- verbo de ligação
🇮🇳 संबंध
- कुपुला
- जोड़
🇩🇪 Kopula
- Bindewort
- Verknüpfung
🇮🇩 kopula
- penghubung
- kata penghubung
🇺🇦 копула
- зв'язок
- дієслівна зв'язка
🇵🇱 kopuła
- związek
- czasownik łączący
🇯🇵 コピュラ
- 連結詞
- 結合動詞
🇫🇷 copule
- lien
- verbe de liaison
🇪🇸 cópula
- enlace
- verbo copulativo
🇹🇷 kopula
- bağ
- bağlayıcı fiil
🇰🇷 코퓰라
- 연결어
- 연결 동사
🇸🇦 كوبولا
- رابط
- فعل رابط
🇨🇿 kopula
- spojení
- sloveso spojovací
🇸🇰 kopula
- spojenie
- spojovacie sloveso
🇨🇳 连系动词
- 连接词
- 结合动词
🇸🇮 kopula
- povezava
- vezni glagol
🇮🇸 kópúla
- tenging
- tengslasagnorð
🇰🇿 копула
- байланыс
- байланыстыратын етістік
🇬🇪 კოპულა
- კავშირი
- კავშირების ზმნა
🇦🇿 kopula
- bağlantı
- əlaqələndirici fel
🇲🇽 cópula
- vínculo
- verbo copulativo
Word origin
The term 'copula' comes from the Latin word 'copula,' which means 'a link' or 'a bond.' This etymology reflects the function of copulas in languages as they serve to connect subjects with their predicates. The concept of a copula has been widely discussed in the field of linguistics, especially in syntax and semantics. Its importance can be traced back to ancient grammarians who established the foundations of grammar and syntax. Over centuries, various linguistic traditions have examined the role of copulas in different languages, leading to rich studies in comparative grammar and the nature of language itself. The understanding of copulas has evolved, but their fundamental purpose as connectors in Language remains consistent.