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draft copy

draft copy

1 3.4
A first written version that will be changed before the final one
  • noun
  • /dræft ˈkɑpi/
translation icon : borrador
  • The next step is to transcribe the draft copy onto the staff in order to make a final copy.
  • draft copy of a composition

Examples

  • A draft copy of the study was disseminated to each of the 28 community colleges.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Once the students had developed a piece with which they were happy, they were told that the piece on their chalkboard was a draft copy of their composition.

    Academic text (1996)
  • It is important to note the necessity of making the draft copy; it provides the structure for the writing of the final copy.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Put another way, I can show you some draft copy for a website, but if it's just a Word file, that won't mean much to you.

    Blog text (22)
  • To give a homey example, I spent the last quarter hour fiddling with the margins on the draft copy of this article.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The field supervisors were asked to review the questionnaire for clarity and content and to make suggestions for altering the draft copy they received.

    Academic text (2004)
  • This type of music activity produces two hard-copy versions of a child's composition—the draft copy and final copy—that make excellent portfolio entries.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Ms. Mitchell provided a draft copy of the report to The New York Times.

  • An advance draft copy of the speech was obtained by USA TODAY.

  • A draft copy of his remarks was made available to reporters traveling with him.

Synonyms

draft
vsdraft copy
  • Specialized
245 3.7

An early version of a document or plan

is specific to written works rather than plans or sketches
copy
vsdraft copy
  • Literature
195 3.0

Text written for a newspaper, magazine, or advertisement

is a narrower early version specifically intended to be revised before final release
manuscript
vsdraft copy
129 6.5

A handwritten book or an author's original text sent to publishers

is a general preliminary written version meant for later revision
submission
vsdraft copy
56 3.7

A piece of work sent for others to read or judge

is an early written version meant for revision rather than giving work to others
ms
vsdraft copy
  • Jargon
4 8.2

A piece of writing an author gives to an editor before final editing

is a preliminary version that stresses being revised before the final form
to preprint
vsdraft copy
  • Specialized
1 5.8

To make and share a first version of a research paper before publication

focuses more on being an early written form meant for revision rather than distribution
test copy
vsdraft copy
  • Specialized
5.1

A printed page you check for mistakes before the final printing

is a broader early written version used for revision rather than printing checks

Antonyms

3.0

Made available to the public in print or online

How Complete

draft copy
1 3.4
outline
59 2.7
sketch
150 2.5

Surface Forms

draft copy singular
draft copies plural

Morphology

draft + copy

The meaning 'a preliminary version of a written work' is directly derivable from combining 'draft' (an early outline or sketch) with 'copy' (written material). This noun–noun composition follows straightforward compositional rules common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Draft copy comes from the simple image of making a rough draft and then creating a first copy to show other people for comments. So it means 'a preliminary version' that can be changed before the final text.