Copy Once Meant Abundance
A copy is a reproduction of something. The Latin word behind it meant plenty, not duplication.
A copy is a reproduction of something, or the text prepared for printing. Latin *copia* meant abundance or plenty — the same word behind *copious* and *cornucopia*, the horn of plenty. Making a copy of a manuscript multiplied it, so the word for abundance became the word for the act of multiplying, and then for the result. In publishing, *copy* means the words themselves, which is why a *copywriter* writes text and a *copy editor* corrects it.
- A reproduction. *A copy of the letter.*
- Text for printing. *Send the copy.*
- To reproduce. *Copy the file.*
- Copious — abundant. *Copious.*
- Latin — *copia*, plenty. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | copy | A copy. |
| Plural | copies | Copies. |
| Verb | copy | Copying. |
| Compound | copywriter | A copywriter. |
| Latin | copia | Abundance. |
- Keep a copy of the receipt.Duplicate.
- The copy is due Friday.Publishing.
- Copia means abundance.Etymology.
The copia family
- Copious — plentiful
- Cornucopia — the horn of plenty
- Copy — an act of multiplying, then the result
- Copyright — the right to make copies
- Copywriter — one who supplies the words for printing
Old French *copie*, from Latin *copia*, abundance or plenty.
How does abundance give us copy?
Copying a manuscript multiplied it. The word for plenty became the word for multiplying, and then for the duplicate itself.
What is copy in publishing?
The words themselves, ready to be printed. A copywriter supplies them and a copy editor corrects them.