copy

²copy

verb

cop·iedcopy·ing

Definition of COPY

transitive verb

1

: to make a copy or duplicate of <copy a document> <copy a computer file>

2

: to model oneself on

intransitive verb

1

: to make a copy

2

: to undergo copying <the map did not copy well>

Examples of COPY

1. She copied the design on a piece of paper.
2. Copy the file to your hard drive.
3. The bills are designed to prevent copying by counterfeiters.
4. We caught him copying the answers out of the book.
5. We caught him copying out of the book.
6. The speech was copied word for word.
7. His music was copied widely.
8. Their competitors soon copied the idea.

First Known Use of COPY

14th century

Related to COPY

Synonyms: clone, copycat, duplicate, imitate, reduplicate, render, replicate, reproduce

Antonyms: originate

Related Words: counterfeit, fake, forge, knock off, rip off; mimic, simulate; reconstruct, re-create

Near Antonyms: create, imagine, initiate, invent

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of COPY

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>.

Rhymes with COPY

choppy, floppy