Main Entry: ²copy

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): cop·ied; copy·ing

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 : to make a copy or duplicate of <copy a document> <copy a computer file>
2 : to model oneself onintransitive verb 1 : to make a copy
2 : to undergo copying <the map did not copy well>

synonyms copy, imitate, mimic, ape, mock mean to make something so that it resembles an existing thing. copy suggests duplicating an original as nearly as possible <copied the painting and sold the fake as an original>. imitate suggests following a model or a pattern but may allow for some variation <imitate a poet's style>. mimic implies a close copying (as of voice or mannerism) often for fun, ridicule, or lifelike imitation <pupils mimicking their teacher>. ape may suggest presumptuous, slavish, or inept imitating of a superior original <American fashion designers aped their European colleagues>. mock usually implies imitation with derision <mocking a vain man's pompous manner>.