Copy (noun) — a thing made to be identical or very similar to something else: a copy of a document. Copy (verb) — to make an identical version of something, or to imitate someone's actions: Please copy the file to the folder.
Etymology
Copy descends from the Latin word copia, meaning "abundance" or "plenty". In medieval Latin, copia shifted to mean a transcript of a document, since scribes produced texts in large quantities for distribution. The word entered English in the 14th century via Old French copie, and by the 15th century it had fully established both its noun and verb senses in written records.
What Does Copy Mean?
As a noun, copy refers to a reproduction or duplicate of an original — whether a photocopied page, a printed book, a digital file, or even a painting made to resemble a famous work. In publishing, copy also means the written text prepared for editing and printing.
As a verb, copy means to reproduce, duplicate, or transcribe something. It can also mean to imitate another person's behaviour or style, sometimes with a negative connotation (as in copying in an exam). In digital contexts, "copy and paste" has become one of the most recognisable compound actions in modern computing.
The word is extremely high frequency and appears across all registers — from office memos and school instructions to legal documents and computing manuals. Mastering its collocations will make your English sound far more natural. See Cambridge Dictionary's full entry on “copy” for more examples.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & note |
|---|---|
| Please make a copy of the document for your records. | A2 — basic noun use |
| Could you copy this paragraph into your notebook? | B1 — verb with direct object |
| The teacher reminded the class that copying in a test is strictly forbidden. | B1 — gerund; academic context |
| She kept a back-up copy of every file on an external hard drive. | B2 — collocation: back-up copy |
| The manuscript is believed to be a faithful copy of a much earlier text that has since been lost. | C1 — formal; noun + adjective collocation |
Common Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| make a copy | Could you make a copy of this invoice, please? |
| back-up copy | Always keep a back-up copy of important documents. |
| hard copy | The manager asked for a hard copy of the report. |
| soft copy | I'll send you the soft copy by email this afternoon. |
| fair copy | He wrote a fair copy of the letter before sending it. |
| carbon copy | Her speech was a carbon copy of the one she gave last year. |
| copy and paste | She copied and pasted the data into the spreadsheet. |
| certified copy | You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. |
| rough copy | Draft a rough copy first, then refine it. |
| complimentary copy | The publisher sent her a complimentary copy of the book. |
Usage Notes
- Noun and verb forms: The plural noun is copies; the verb conjugates as copies (3rd person singular), copied (past), copying (present participle).
- Copy vs. duplicate vs. replicate: Copy is the most general term. Duplicate emphasises making an exact second version, often in official contexts. Replicate is formal or scientific, implying careful reproduction of a process.
- Digital usage: In computing, "copy" nearly always pairs with "paste" (copy and paste). The keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C / Cmd+C is universally understood as "copy".
- Publishing copy: In journalism and marketing, copy (uncountable) means written content — "the copy needs editing" does not refer to a physical duplicate but to the text itself.
- Negative connotation: In academic and school contexts, "to copy" often implies dishonesty — copying someone's homework or copying in an exam. Clarify when you mean legitimate reproduction.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
I made a copy from the document. (wrong preposition)
I made a copy of the document. (correct preposition: of)
She copied the answer of her friend. (wrong preposition)
She copied the answer from her friend. (correct: copied from)
Please do a copy of this file. (wrong verb collocation)
Please make a copy of this file. (correct collocation: make a copy)
Related Words
Practise This Word
More Common English Words
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Frequently Asked Questions about “copy”
What does the word copy mean?
As a noun, a copy is something made to be identical to an original — for example, a printed copy of a document or a copy of a painting. As a verb, to copy means to reproduce or duplicate something. It can also mean to imitate someone's behaviour or actions.
What is the difference between copy, duplicate, and replicate?
Copy is the most general and everyday word — you copy a file or make a copy of a key. Duplicate suggests making an exact second version, often officially (a duplicate receipt). Replicate is more formal or scientific, implying careful reproduction of a process or result (replicate an experiment). In everyday speech, copy is by far the most common.
Is copy a noun or a verb?
Copy is both a noun and a verb. As a noun: 'Please give me a copy of the report.' As a verb: 'Could you copy these pages for me?' Both uses are extremely common at all levels of English.
What is the plural of copy?
The plural of copy is copies — the -y changes to -ies following standard English spelling rules. For example: 'We need fifty copies of the handout.' The verb forms follow the same pattern: he copies, she copied, they have copied.
What does 'copy and paste' mean?
Copy and paste is a computing phrase meaning to duplicate a piece of text or data and place it in a new location. You copy the text (store it in the clipboard) and then paste it (insert it elsewhere). The expression has also entered everyday language to describe repeating something without original thought.
What is a hard copy versus a soft copy?
A hard copy is a printed, physical version of a document — something you can hold in your hands. A soft copy (or softcopy) is a digital version stored on a computer, phone, or other device. Both terms are widely used in office and academic contexts.
Can copy mean to cheat?
Yes, informally to copy can mean to cheat by reproducing someone else's work without permission. In schools, 'copying in an exam' or 'copying a classmate's homework' means cheating. This is distinct from legitimately making a copy of your own documents.
What does 'copy' mean in journalism?
In journalism and publishing, copy refers to written text or content ready for editing or printing. A journalist submits their copy to the editor; the editor then reviews and corrects the copy before it is published. This use is common in professional writing contexts.
What is the origin of the word copy?
Copy comes from the Latin word 'copia', meaning abundance or supply. In medieval Latin, 'copia' was used to mean a transcript or reproduction of a document because scribes would produce copies in great quantities. The word entered English via Old French 'copie' in the 14th century.
How can I practise using copy in English?
Try LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to practise copy in context, or use Flash Cards to test yourself on copy and its related forms (copies, copied, copying, copycat, copyright). Writing short paragraphs using different collocations — such as 'make a copy', 'back-up copy', and 'fair copy' — is also excellent practice.