photocopy
gb/fˈoʊtoʊkˌɑpi/ us/fˈoʊtoʊkˌɑpi/
B1
English
~ 7900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
paper copy from a machine
A paper copy of a page or document made by a special copy machine.
Usage pattern:
a photocopy of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *photocopy* for any kind of copy, including digital files or photos on a phone. *Photocopy* is normally used for a paper copy made by a photocopier. For digital copies, words like *scan*, *photo*, or *file copy* are more natural.
Synonyms
copy (More general; can be any type of copy, not only one made by a photocopier.)
|
duplicate (Slightly more formal; stresses that it is an exact second version.)
|
xerox (Brand name used as a common noun in some regions; can sound informal or outdated in others.)
Antonyms
original (Refers to the first, source document, which a photocopy is made from.)
Collocations
make a photocopy
|take a photocopy
|clear photocopy
|photocopy of your passport
|black-and-white photocopy
|keep a photocopy
Themes
office
|technology
|daily_life
|work
|education
|communication
Examples
- Please bring a photocopy of your passport to the interview.
- The teacher handed out a photocopy of the article to each student.
- I keep a photocopy of my insurance card in my wallet.
- This photocopy is too dark; can you make another one?
- She filed the signed contract along with a photocopy for their records.
Learner examples
- I need a photocopy of my ID.
- The office keeps a photocopy of every receipt.
- He gave me a photocopy of the map.
- This photocopy is not clear.
- Can you make a photocopy for me?
Verb
B1
action
2
make a photocopy of something
To use a copy machine to make a paper copy of a page or document.
Usage pattern:
to photocopy [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *print a copy* when they mean *photocopy*, even if the document is only on paper and not on a computer. Use *photocopy* when you place a physical page into a machine to make another paper copy. Also, avoid saying *do a photocopy*; *make a photocopy* or *photocopy it* are more natural.
Synonyms
copy (More general; can mean to reproduce by hand, digitally, or with a photocopier.)
|
duplicate (More formal; emphasizes making an exact second version, not necessarily by photocopier.)
Antonyms
create (Photocopying reproduces existing material, while *create* means to make something new and original.)
Collocations
photocopy documents
|photocopy a form
|photocopy in color
|photocopy double-sided
|photocopy the contract
|photocopy pages from a book
Themes
office
|technology
|daily_life
|work
|education
|communication
Examples
- Could you photocopy these documents before the meeting?
- I need to photocopy my passport and visa for the application.
- The assistant photocopied the report and placed a copy on each desk.
- You are not allowed to photocopy this book without permission.
- She quickly photocopied the receipt and returned the original to the customer.
Learner examples
- Please photocopy this page for the class.
- I will photocopy the form and give you a copy.
- He photocopied the letter at the office.
- You can photocopy your ticket at the library.
- They photocopied the contract before signing it.
Grammar
Dictionary form
photocopy
IPA
GB/fˈoʊtoʊkˌɑpi/
US/fˈoʊtoʊkˌɑpi/
Syllables & stress
pho - to - copy (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pho)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: photocopy
- Plural: photocopies
Verb
- Base: photocopy
- 3rd Person Singular: photocopies
- Present Participle: photocopying
- Past: photocopied
Word family
Forms
photocopies
noun
photocopying
verb
photocopied
verb
Core family
photocopier
noun
Related words
copy
noun A2
copier
noun
Advanced or less common
photocopiable
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.