Copy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈkä-pē/

Meaning & Definition of Copy

Copy (noun)

  1. an imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work (such as a letter, a painting, a table, or a dress)
  2. one of a series of especially mechanical reproductions of an original impression; also, an individual example of such a reproduction
  3. something to be imitated, model

Copy (verb)

  1. to make a copy or duplicate of
  2. to model oneself on
  3. to acknowledge receipt of (a message)

Copy (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that is made to look exactly like something else

    "a copy of the famous painting Washington Crossing the Delaware"

    similar: carbon, carbon copy, clone, dummy, dupe, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, imitation, mock, reduplication, replica, replication, reproduction
    related: counterfeit, fake, forgery, knockoff, phony, rip-off, rubber stamp, sham, miniature, mock-up, simulation, reconstruction, re-creation, image, likeness, semblance, shadow, impression, imprint, print, approximation, reincarnation, version, extra, reserve, spare
    opposite: archetype, original, prototype

Copy (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make an exact likeness of

    "for the movie, set designers copied the Oval Office in the White House down to the smallest detail"

    similar: clone, copycat, duplicate, imitate, reduplicate, render, replicate, reproduce
    related: counterfeit, fake, forge, knock off, rip off, mimic, simulate, reconstruct, re-create
    opposite: originate
    near: create, imagine, initiate, invent

  2. to use (someone or something) as the model for one's speech, mannerisms, or behavior

    "she shamelessly copies her idol's hairstyle and fashion choices"

    similar: ape, copycat, emulate, imitate, mime, mimic
    related: ditto, echo, reecho, repeat, burlesque, caricature, lampoon, mock, parody, travesty, impersonate, perform, play, pantomime

Related Entry: Carbon copy (noun)

Carbon copy is a different word from Copy. The synonyms below are for carbon copy, not for copy.

  1. something or someone that strongly resembles another

    "the child is a carbon copy of his father"

    similar: alter ego, carbon, clone, counterpart, doppelgänger, double, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, fetch, image, likeness, look-alike, match, mirror image, picture, replica, ringer, spit, spitting image, twin
    related: effigy, portrait, portrayal, companion, fellow, mate, equal, equivalent, analogue, parallel
    near: antithesis, converse, opposite, reverse

  2. something that is made to look exactly like something else

    "a clothing company that makes carbon copies of designer duds"

    similar: carbon, clone, copy, dummy, dupe, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, imitation, mock, reduplication, replica, replication, reproduction
    related: counterfeit, fake, forgery, knockoff, phony, rip-off, rubber stamp, sham, miniature, mock-up, simulation, reconstruction, re-creation, image, likeness, semblance, shadow, impression, imprint, print, approximation, reincarnation, version, extra, reserve, spare
    opposite: archetype, original, prototype

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Copy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Copy:

carbon, carbon copy, clone, dummy, dupe, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, imitation, mock, reduplication, replica, replication, reproduction, copycat, imitate, reduplicate, render, replicate, reproduce, ape, emulate, mime, mimic

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Copy

Words with the opposite meaning of Copy:

archetype, original, prototype, originate

Related Words for Copy

counterfeit, fake, forgery, knockoff, phony, rip-off, rubber stamp, sham, miniature, mock-up, simulation, reconstruction, re-creation, image, likeness, semblance, shadow, impression, imprint, print, approximation, reincarnation, version, extra, reserve, spare, forge, knock off, rip off, simulate

Near Antonyms of Copy

create, imagine, initiate, invent

Word Forms of Copy

Inflections: copies, copied, copying

Origin & Etymology of Copy

Middle English copie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin copia, from Latin, abundance copious

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Copy

Words & Phrases Containing Copy

copy editor, copy down/out, copy machine, blind carbon copy, carbon copy, Chinese copy, fair copy, hard copy

Frequently Asked Questions about Copy

What does "Copy" mean?

"Copy" means an imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work (such as a letter, a painting, a table, or a dress). As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: an imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work (such as a letter, a painting, a table, or a dress). It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Copy"?

Other words for "Copy" include carbon, carbon copy, clone, dummy, dupe, duplicate, duplication and facsimile. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Copy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Copy"?

There are 69 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Copy". Common alternatives include carbon, carbon copy, clone, dummy, dupe, duplicate, duplication, facsimile, imitation and mock.

What is the opposite of "Copy"?

Antonyms of "Copy" include archetype, original, prototype and originate. Near antonyms include create, imagine, initiate and invent.

How do you use "Copy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Copy" in a sentence: "a copy of the famous painting Washington Crossing the Delaware"; "for the movie, set designers copied the Oval Office in the White House down to the smallest detail"; "she shamelessly copies her idol's hairstyle and fashion choices".

Is "Copy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Copy" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Copy" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Copy" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Copy"?

"Copy" is pronounced /ˈkä-pē/.