copy

copyverb

To copy is to make or do something so that it is the same as something that already exists.

1. make the samemake something that is the same as, or very like, something else

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] verb + object + adverb [V + obj + adv]

   • Can you copy this page for me? V + obj
   • I copied the address into my notebook. V + obj + prep + obj
   • She copied the files onto her laptop. V + obj + prep + obj
   • Copy down the questions on the board. V + adv + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun copy a document, copy a file, copy a picture

   phrase copy and paste, copy something down

   Synonyms duplicate

   Compare borrow

2. do the samedo the same thing as someone else, or act in the same way

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • Children copy what their parents do. V + obj
   • Other companies soon copied the idea. V + obj
   • Stop copying me! V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun copy someone's style, copy an idea, copy a design

   Synonyms imitate

3. cheatuse another person's work dishonestly as your own, especially in a test or in work for school

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

   • He was caught copying during the test.
   • She copied her friend's homework. V + obj
   • The teacher saw him copy from the student next to him. V + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition copy from someone, copy off someone

   verb + noun copy homework, copy someone's answers

   Synonyms cheat

4. emailsend someone a copy of an email or a letter that you are sending to someone else

   Copy someone in is also used, especially in British English: I copied her in on the email.

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • Please copy me on any emails to the client. V + obj + prep + obj
   • I'll copy Ravi so that he knows what's happening. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition copy someone on something, copy someone in