Difference Wiki

Photocopy vs. Copy: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on August 15, 2024
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 White
Janet 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 Carlson
Aimie 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.

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