Photocopy vs. Copy: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 8, 2023
Photocopy refers to a duplicate produced using a photocopier, while copy can mean any duplicate or replica, regardless of the method used.
Key Differences
Photocopy and copy both pertain to the idea of duplication, but they differ in scope and method. Photocopy specifically refers to a reproduction made using a machine that employs light and photocopying technology. Copy, on the other hand, encompasses a wider range of duplication methods and can be applied to various contexts.
For instance, if you use a photocopier to reproduce a document, you've made a photocopy. In contrast, if you rewrite or type out the same document manually, you've made a copy.
Photocopy, by definition, implies the use of a specific type of machine. Its roots lie in the technology of photo reproduction. Copy doesn't necessitate any particular device; it's a general term signifying replication or imitation.
In digital realms, to "copy" means to duplicate data, such as files or text. However, "photocopy" retains its tangible, machine-oriented connotation and is rarely used in digital contexts.
Both photocopy and copy play essential roles in various fields, from academics to businesses. While photocopy denotes a specific kind of reproduction, copy provides a broader interpretation, spanning across different media and methods.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Duplicate made using a photocopier.
A replica or duplicate, regardless of method.
Method
Requires a photocopier.
Can be any method, including manual or digital.
Application
Primarily tangible documents.
Both tangible and digital.
Contextual Usage
Specific to photocopier machine.
Broad, spanning multiple contexts and media.
Example
Reproducing a book page.
Duplicating a text, file, or artwork.
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Photocopy and Copy Definitions
Photocopy
A duplicate made using light-sensitive paper.
She handed me a photocopy of the original document.
Copy
An imitation or replica of an original.
He handed me a copy of his book.
Photocopy
Reproduction using a machine that copies using photocopying technology.
The teacher provided a photocopy of the assignment to every student.
Copy
A particular edition or version of a text.
The editor reviewed the final copy before publication.
Photocopy
A printed replica produced by a photocopier.
The photocopy was almost as clear as the original.
Copy
An individual specimen of a publication.
I bought the last copy of the magazine.
Photocopy
A tangible duplicate made through a photomechanical process.
The photocopy machine was out of ink.
Copy
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
Photocopy
An imitation made by capturing an image through light.
I kept the photocopy of the receipt for my records.
Copy
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
Photocopy
To make a photographic reproduction of (printed or graphic material), especially by xerography.
Copy
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
Photocopy
A photographic or xerographic reproduction.
Copy
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Photocopy
A copy made using a photocopier.
Copy
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Photocopy
To make a copy using a photocopier.
Copy
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Photocopy
A photographic copy of written or printed or graphic work
Copy
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
Photocopy
Reproduce by xerography
Copy
To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.
Copy
To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.
Copy
To make a copy or copies.
Copy
To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.
Copy
To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.
Copy
The result of copying; an identical duplicate of an original.
Please bring me the copies of those reports.
Copy
An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
Copy
(journalism) The text that is to be typeset.
Copy
(journalism) A gender-neutral abbreviation for copy boy.
Copy
The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
Copy
(uncountable) The text of newspaper articles.
Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
Copy
A school work pad.
Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
Copy
A printed edition of a book or magazine.
Have you seen the latest copy of "Newsweek" yet?
The library has several copies of the Bible.
Copy
Writing paper of a particular size, called also bastard.
Copy
(obsolete) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Copy
(obsolete) An abundance or plenty of anything.
Copy
(obsolete) copyhold; tenure; lease
Copy
(genetics) The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
Copy
(transitive) To produce an object identical to a given object.
Please copy these reports for me.
Copy
(transitive) To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
Copy
To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
Copy
(transitive) To imitate.
Don't copy my dance moves.
Mom, he's copying me!
Copy
(radio) To receive a transmission successfully.
Do you copy?
Copy
An abundance or plenty of anything.
She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.
Copy
An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work; as, a copy of a letter, an engraving, a painting, or a statue.
I have not the vanity to think my copy equal to the original.
Copy
An individual book, or a single set of books containing the works of an author; as, a copy of the Bible; a copy of the works of Addison.
Copy
That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters.
Copy
Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy.
Copy
A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.
Copy
Copyhold; tenure; lease.
Copy
To make a copy or copies of; to write; print, engrave, or paint after an original; to duplicate; to reproduce; to transcribe; as, to copy a manuscript, inscription, design, painting, etc.; - often with out, sometimes with off.
I like the work well; ere it be demanded(As like enough it will), I'd have it copied.
Let this be copied out,And keep it safe for our remembrance.
Copy
To imitate; to attempt to resemble, as in manners or course of life.
We copy instinctively the voices of our companions, their accents, and their modes of pronunciation.
Copy
To make a copy or copies; to imitate.
Copy
To yield a duplicate or transcript; as, the letter did not copy well.
Some . . . never fail, when they copy, to follow the bad as well as the good things.
Copy
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
Copy
A secondary representation of an original;
She made a copy of the designer dress
Copy
Matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials
Copy
Material suitable for a journalistic account;
Catastrophes make good copy
Copy
Copy down as is;
The students were made to copy the alphabet over and over
Copy
Reproduce someone's behavior or looks;
The mime imitated the passers-by
Children often copy their parents or older siblings
Copy
Biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
Replicate the cell
Copy the genetic information
Copy
Make a replica of;
Copy that drawing
Re-create a picture by Rembrandt
Copy
To reproduce or duplicate.
I'll copy the files to a new folder.
Copy
Written text, especially for advertisements or media.
The ad copy was catchy and compelling.
FAQs
An individual specimen of a publication.
I bought the last copy of the magazine.
Written text, especially for advertisements or media.
The ad copy was catchy and compelling.
An imitation or replica of an original.
He handed me a copy of his book.
To reproduce or duplicate.
I'll copy the files to a new folder.
A particular edition or version of a text.
The editor reviewed the final copy before publication.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
