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to copy

to copy

201 1.0
Make the same words or pictures as the original
  • verb
  • /ˈkɑːpi/
: copiar
  • You plug the USB key into your computer and copy the files onto the computer.
  • copy and paste
  • copy text
  • copy a file

I will add the video link, so copy into here.

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Examples

  • The monks would copy these documents.

  • Let's go ahead and copy these into the appropriate places.

  • Now, does this let you copy things on the Internet?

  • Time to figure out what data I can copy for a test.

  • So let me just copy some lines, some comments here.

  • But I mean, yes, I can draw and copy anything on paper.

  • At least half of the songs were copied in part from published songbooks.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Even the paper on which the transcription was copied was a valuable commodity.

    Academic text (2015)
  • The speaker would read slowly from a text as the scribes copied down the words on their rolls.

    Academic text (2011)
  • You plug the USB key into your computer and copy the files onto the computer.

Synonyms

to replicate
vsto copy
  • Specialized
112 4.9

To make an exact copy of something, often in a lab

is the general everyday action without technical restriction
to duplicate
vsto copy
83 3.5

To make an exact copy of something

is the broader term for making a close reproduction
to reproduce
vsto copy
58 4.0

To make a copy of something that looks like the original

focuses on general exactness rather than any specific technique
to re-create
vsto copy
  • UK
45 4.1

Make something again so it looks like the original

is about exact or close reproduction rather than creating anew
to photocopy
vsto copy
16 2.3

To make a copy of a document or picture with a copy machine

is the general act not tied to a single machine technique
to xerox
vsto copy
  • US
11 4.8

To make a copy of a document using a photocopier

is the broader action not confined to this specific process
to copy out
vsto copy
5 2.8

Write or type something exactly as it looks in another place

is the general act not limited to manual transcription
to mimeograph
vsto copy
  • Archaic
2 9.9

To make paper copies by pushing ink through a stencil

is the general method not limited to stencil printing
to run off
vsto copy
1 3.4

Make copies of a document using a photocopier

is the general act without emphasis on speed or method
to dup
vsto copy
  • Informal
1 8.6

To make a copy of a file or recording

is the standard formal act of producing a reproduction
to manifold
vsto copy
  • Archaic
9.1

To make several copies of a document using carbon paper

is the basic act of making one exact or close reproduction
to microcopy
vsto copy
  • Archaic
9.9

To make a small photocopy of printed material for storage

is the general act of making an exact or close reproduction
to hectograph
vsto copy
  • Archaic
9.9

To copy writing or drawings by pressing ink from a soft plate

is the general act not tied to this older duplicating technique
to roneo
vsto copy
  • Archaic
9.9

To make copies of papers using a stencil machine

is the general action not specific to that machine or process

Idioms

copy that
  • Informal
85 7.6

I have received and understand the message

Phrasal Verbs

to write copy
  • Jargon
5 4.4

To make short text for ads and marketing

5 2.8

Write or type something exactly as it looks in another place

Compounds

22 3.1

A paper copy printed or typed from a computer

carbon copy
  • Archaic
10 3.0

A copy of a paper made at the same time as the original

copy editor
  • Specialized
9 3.4

A person who checks and corrects grammar, spelling, and style in written text before it is published

review copy
  • Jargon
4 3.9

A free copy of a new book sent to someone who will read and write about it

3 2.8

A copy of a document made with a photocopier

copy editing
  • Specialized
3 3.6

A process of checking and correcting written text to make it clear and accurate before publication

1 3.4

A first written version that will be changed before the final one

1 4.0

The first version of a document or recording used to make copies

soft copy
  • Specialized
1 3.2

An electronic file of a document you view on a computer

fair copy
  • Specialized
1 6.2

A clean final version of a document with all corrections

test copy
  • Specialized
1 5.1

A printed page you check for mistakes before the final printing

A copy of a play script with notes and cues for the stage

How Exact

clone
  • Specialized
74 4.2
to replicate
  • Specialized
112 4.9
to copy
201 1.0
to recreate
114 4.5

Surface Forms

copy infinitive
copied past
copied past participle
copying present participle
copies third person singular

Etymology

Copy as a verb comes from the same old Latin copia, 'plenty' or 'supply', and it grew to mean making another of something. So to copy is to make a duplicate or another version you can use instead of the first.