Copy: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“
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copy

 

[หˆkษ’pi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

text

Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce.

Synonyms

duplicate, imitate, replicate, reproduce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
copy

Use when referring to making a similar version of something, often a document or a piece of media.

  • Can you make a copy of this report for me?
  • He copied the file to his USB drive.
reproduce

Used in biological or artistic contexts, often referring to creating something again or the process of making offspring.

  • These plants reproduce rapidly in this environment.
  • The artist can reproduce the exact color shades.
imitate

Used when someone is trying to match or follow someone's actions, style, or behavior. Often involves mimicking.

  • Children often imitate their parents.
  • She can imitate different accents perfectly.
duplicate

Best for official or formal contexts when an exact reproduction is required. Often used in technology or documentation.

  • Please duplicate this document and file the copies.
  • The software can easily duplicate the data.
replicate

Applicable in scientific, technical, or artistic settings where precise and accurate reproduction is required.

  • The experiment was replicated to verify the results.
  • They tried to replicate the original painting techniques.

Examples of usage

  • He copied the design from a book.
  • She copied his hairstyle.
  • The artist copied the painting perfectly.
Context #2 | Noun

machine

A thing made to be similar or identical to another.

Synonyms

duplicate, imitation, replica.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
copy

Use when referring to reproducing a document, text, or any other kind of written material. It can also mean creating a similar version of an object or work.

  • I need a copy of the report by tomorrow.
  • Can you make a copy of this key?
duplicate

Often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate an exact reproduction or replication. It may also imply the need for preventing redundancy.

  • We need to duplicate these files for backup purposes.
  • Please avoid creating duplicate entries in the database.
replica

Used when talking about an exact replica or reproduction, often of an object with historical or cultural significance. Usually, it implies a high-quality and respectful reproduction.

  • The museum displayed a replica of the ancient artifact.
  • He built a replica of the famous car from the movie.
imitation

Applied when referring to something that is made to look like something else, often with a sense of being inferior or of lower quality. This word can carry a negative connotation.

  • This handbag is just an imitation of the designer brand.
  • He bought an imitation watch that broke after a week.

Examples of usage

  • The machine makes copies of documents.
  • I need to get a copy of this file.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'copia', meaning 'abundance' or 'plenty', which referred to copies and reproductions.
  • In the 14th century, it began to mean 'duplicate' as people started using it in written texts and art.
  • The term initially applied to written manuscripts before becoming associated with printing technologies.

Technology

  • The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized the way copies of texts were made, allowing for mass production.
  • Digital copies became possible with the rise of computers, where files can be duplicated with a simple command.
  • The concept of 'copying' is essential in computer programming, where code can be reused to streamline workflow.

Art

  • Many famous artworks, such as the Mona Lisa, have numerous copies created by artists to practice their skills or for commercial distribution.
  • In art history, imitation or copying is often seen as a valuable learning tool, allowing artists to develop their techniques.
  • Some artists, like Andy Warhol, famously embraced the idea of copying as a form of commentary on mass production.

Psychology

  • Copying behaviors are a natural part of learning, especially in children who mimic adults to understand social norms.
  • The 'copycat effect' refers to when individuals imitate others' actions, especially in relation to media and crime.
  • Psychological studies suggest that people often feel more comfortable when they copy others due to social conformity.

Legal

  • Copyright law exists to protect original works from being copied without permission, ensuring creators retain control over their content.
  • Plagiarism, a serious ethical violation in academics and publishing, involves copying someone else's work and taking credit for it.
  • The digital age has raised new challenges regarding the boundaries of copying, especially with the rise of file-sharing platforms.

Translations

Translations of the word "copy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cรณpia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคคเคฟเคฒเคฟเคชเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kopie

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ salinan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฟั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kopia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ณใƒ”ใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท copie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ copia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kopya

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ณต์‚ฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุณุฎุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kopie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kรณpia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‰ฏๆœฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kopija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ afrit

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบำฉัˆั–ั€ะผะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒกแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ surษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ copia

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,117, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.