How to pronounce copy
Say it like KOP-ee. Copy has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOP).
- KOP
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Copy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of copy
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KOP-ee.
What does copy mean?
- The result of copying; an identical or nearly identical duplicate of an original.“Please bring me at least 200 copies of this report. The photocopier is down the hall on the right.”
- The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
- An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.“That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.”
- To produce an object identical to a given object.“Please copy these reports for me.”
- To give or transmit a copy to (a person).“Make sure you copy me on that important memo.”
- To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.“First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.”
Where does copy come from?
From Middle English copy, copie, from Old French copie (“abundance, plenty; transcript, copy”), from Medieval Latin copia (“reproduction, transcript”), from Latin cōpia (“plenty, abundance”), from *coopia, from co- (“together”) + ops (“wealth, riches”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with copy
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of copy.
Questions about saying copy
How do you pronounce copy?
Say KOP-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑpi/. In British English it is /ˈkɒpi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in copy?
Copy has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOP). Broken into parts: KOP · ee.
Is copy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒpi/ (KOP-ee).