photocopy

photocopy — noun

1. an extra paper version of a page, letter, or form that a copying machine produce

1.nounB1
Definition

an extra paper version of a page, letter, or form that a copying machine produces

Example

The bank clerk asked for a photocopy of my ID card.

a photocopy of + document

Maya kept the original contract and mailed us a photocopy.

original contrasted with photocopy

Common collocations
  • a photocopy of your passport
  • a clear photocopy
  • keep the photocopy
  • photocopy of the form
Synonyms
  • copy

    the broad everyday word, not limited to a machine-made paper version

  • duplicate

    more formal and often used in office or legal contexts

  • reproduction

    broader and often used for pictures, books, or art as well as documents

Antonyms
  • original

    the first document from which the copy was made

Grammar Patterns

a photocopy of + document

keep the original and the photocopy

give someone a photocopy

Usage Note

Usually followed by `of` plus a passport, form, letter, or other paper document. Distinguish from a scan: this sense usually refers to a paper copy made from another paper original.

Common Mistakes

Please bring a photocopy and the photocopy.
Please bring the original and a photocopy.
A photocopy is the copied version, not the first document.

photocopy — verb

Word family

  • photocopier
    nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Photocopy is used when you make another paper version with a copying machine, usually from a paper original. Copy is the broad everyday verb and can refer to handwriting, computer files, or machine copies. Duplicate is more formal and often appears in office or legal situations where an exact second version is needed. Print is different because it usually means producing paper from a digital file, while scan means making a digital image instead of a paper one. You can photocopy a passport at the bank, print an email from your laptop, and scan a contract to send by email.

photocopy ↗copy ↗duplicate ↗print ↗scan ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • a photocopy of your passport
  • photocopy the form
  • keep the original and the photocopy

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekEnglish

Photocopy was formed in English from photo-, a part meaning light, and copy. The name reflects the way older copying machines used light to create another paper version of a page.