What is copy? Pronunciation and usage in English

copy means . Learn how to pronounce and use copy through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of copy

copynoun/verb

/ˈkɒpi/
Definition & pronunciation of copy

The word "copy" in English has a few different pronunciations depending on where you are and what dialect you're using. Here's a breakdown:

1. Most Common (General American):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈkɑ.pi/ (rhymes with "happy")
  • Breakdown:
    • ˈkɑ: The "c" is pronounced like a "k." The "a" has a short "a" sound, like in "cat."
    • pi: Pronounced like the letter "p."

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /kəˈpi/ (rhymes with "peppy")
  • Breakdown:
    • kə: A short "uh" sound is inserted.
    • ˈpi: The "p" is stressed, and the "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "bit."

Here's a helpful way to hear the pronunciation:

  • Google: Search for "how to pronounce copy" on Google and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/copy/ – This website allows you to hear pronunciations from native speakers in various accents.

To summarize:

Dialect Pronunciation Rhyme
General American /ˈkɑ.pi/ happy
British English /kəˈpi/ peppy

Do you want me to break down the pronunciation of any other tricky English words?

Usage and examples with the word copy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "copy" in English. It’s a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action - to Duplicate)

  • To make a duplicate: This is the most common meaning.
    • “I need to copy this document before it gets damaged.”
    • “Can you copy my notes for me?”
    • “She copied the recipe from the internet.”
  • To imitate or mimic: This means to do something exactly as someone else does.
    • “He copied his teacher’s handwriting.”
    • “The band copied the style of their favorite rock group.”
    • “Don’t copy other people’s ideas – be original!”
  • To transcribe (especially written text):
    • “I’m going to copy this quote from the book.”
  • To duplicate data (computer/digital):
    • “Copy the file to the USB drive.”
    • “Copy and paste this text into the document.”

2. As a Noun (Thing - a Duplicated Item)

  • A duplicate: The object that was copied.
    • “I have three copies of the book.”
    • “He made a copy of the painting.”
  • A musical recording: A record of a song or piece of music.
    • “I bought a copy of their new album.”
  • A film or video recording: A duplicate recording of a movie or video.
    • “I watched a copy of the movie online.”
  • A carbon copy (of a document): A duplicate copy sent through the mail. (Less common now with email)
    • “Please send me a copy of your application.”
  • A “copycat” (person): Someone who imitates others.
    • “He’s such a copycat, always trying to be like his brother.”
  • A version of something:
    • “I’m working on a copy of the report.” (meaning a version or draft)

3. Phrases and Idioms

  • "Copy that": (Military/Radio) – meaning “understood” or “acknowledged.”
  • “Let me copy that”: (Radio/Speaking) - meaning "Could you repeat that?"
  • "Have a copy": Meaning “Do you have a duplicate?”
  • "Copy and paste": A computer shortcut for copying and pasting text or items.

4. Figurative Usage

  • "To copy someone's style": To imitate their mannerisms, appearance, or voice.

Tips for Choosing the Right "Copy"

  • Context is key! The meaning of "copy" depends heavily on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Consider the action: Are you making a duplicate, or are you imitating something?
  • Think about the noun: Are you referring to the thing itself (a duplicate, a recording), or an adjective (a copycat)?

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you an even more tailored response, could you tell me:

  • In what kind of context are you using the word "copy"? (e.g., writing an email, having a conversation, doing a homework assignment)
  • Are there any specific sentences you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word copy

Practice with vocabulary copy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. For legal documentation, always keep a hard ______ of the signed contract.
  2. The new intern was advised to ______ the senior engineer's meticulous approach to coding.
  3. Many startups aim to ______ the success of Silicon Valley giants rather than invent entirely new models.
  4. Before sending out the final newsletter, please ensure you proofread the latest ______ carefully.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Before submitting the research paper, please ensure you have a digital ______ for your personal archives. a) template b) draft c) copy d) summary

  2. Which of the following words can describe the act of replicating an artistic style, often with the intent to learn or deceive? a) copy b) imitate c) mimic d) forge e) originate

  3. Please make a ______ of this document before you send the original to the client. a) outline b) summary c) copy d) version

  4. The team decided to ______ the successful marketing strategy of a competitor rather than develop a completely new one. a) innovate b) emulate c) originate d) devise

  5. Academic integrity requires students to properly ______ sources to avoid accusations of plagiarism. a) summarize b) plagiarize c) cite d) paraphrase

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Could you please produce an exact replica of this key? (Rewrite using "copy")

  2. The artist's latest work is an imitation of a famous Renaissance painting. (Rewrite using "copy")

  3. The new software update will duplicate all your existing settings. (Rewrite without using "copy")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. copy
  2. copy
  3. emulate
  4. version

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) copy
  2. a) copy, b) imitate, c) mimic, d) forge
  3. c) copy
  4. b) emulate
  5. c) cite

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Could you please make a copy of this key?
  2. The artist's latest work is a copy of a famous Renaissance painting.
  3. The new software update will replicate all your existing settings.

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