Copy vs. Reproduce — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Copy" refers to duplicating something exactly, while "reproduce" involves creating a similar or identical version, often in a biological or artistic context.
Difference Between Copy and Reproduce
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Copy is primarily used to indicate the action of making an identical or direct duplicate of an original item, especially in the context of documents or digital media. On the other hand, reproduce often relates to the process of creating a copy that may not be identical but is very similar to the original, commonly used in biological and artistic contexts.
Copy can be a verb (to copy) or a noun (a copy), denoting the act of duplication or the result thereof. Whereas, reproduce is generally used as a verb, indicating the action of making reproductions, particularly when referring to the natural replication of organisms.
Copy emphasizes the exactness of the duplication, focusing on precision and fidelity to the source. Meanwhile, reproduce can sometimes imply a degree of variation, especially in terms of biological reproduction or the reproduction of artworks.
Copy is often used in everyday contexts, such as photocopying documents or copying files on a computer. Conversely, reproduce is frequently used in more specialized contexts like printing, biology, or the arts, where the method of replication might involve more complex processes.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun, verb
Verb
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Usage Context
Documents, files, media duplication
Biology, art, general duplication
Focus on Exactness
High (exact duplication)
Medium (similar but allows variations)
Common Examples
Copying a document, duplicating a file
Reproducing artwork, biological reproduction
Implication
Mechanical or digital duplication
Involving biological processes or artistic effort
Compare with Definitions
Copy
To make a thing identical to another.
She made a copy of her grandfather's photograph.
Reproduce
To produce something again or recreate it.
The factory reproduced the vintage car parts for the restoration project.
Copy
An instance of duplicating content in media or data.
He saved several copies of the report on his computer.
Reproduce
To make a copy of an audio or visual recording.
The studio reproduced the album from its original tapes.
Copy
The act of mimicking or imitating.
The child tried to copy his teacher’s handwriting.
Reproduce
To produce a close copy of something, especially in art.
The museum attempted to reproduce the texture and colors of the original painting.
Copy
A single specimen of a multiple production, like a book or painting.
This is an original copy of the first edition.
Reproduce
To generate offspring through biological processes.
Turtles reproduce by laying eggs in the sand.
Copy
A model or pattern for something to be made.
The architect used the old blueprint as a copy for the renovation.
Reproduce
To show or reflect something in a way that is very clear or detailed.
The documentary reproduced the events of the battle vividly.
Copy
A thing made to be similar or identical to another
The problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy
Reproduce
To produce again or anew; re-create
The lab failed to reproduce their original results. The movie reproduces life in the 1950s.
Copy
A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue
The record has sold more than a million copies
Reproduce
To produce a copy, imitation, or representation of
Reproduce the sounds of a live concert in a recording.
Copy
Matter to be printed
Copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month
Reproduce
To bring (an event in one's memory, for example) to mind again; recall.
Copy
A blank booklet or notebook used for schoolwork
You need a stock of exercise copies, A4 refill pads, and maths copies
Examinees will not be allowed to take pens, copies, or water bottles inside the test centre
Reproduce
To generate offspring.
Copy
Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce
Each form had to be copied and sent to a different department
Reproduce
To undergo copying
Graphics that reproduce well.
Copy
Imitate the style or behaviour of
Lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue
Art students copied from approved old masters
Reproduce
(transitive) To produce an image or copy of.
Copy
Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter
This is Edwards, do you copy, over
Reproduce
(transitive) To produce again; to recreate.
Copy
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
Reproduce
(transitive) To bring something to mind; to recall.
Copy
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
Reproduce
To produce again.
Those colors are unchangeable, and whenever all those rays with those their colors are mixed again they reproduce the same white light as before.
Copy
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
Reproduce
To produce again, by generation or the like; to cause the existence of (something of the same class, kind, or nature as another thing); to generate or beget, as offspring; as, to reproduce a rose; some animals are reproduced by gemmation.
Copy
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Reproduce
Make a copy or equivalent of;
Reproduce the painting
Copy
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Reproduce
Have offspring or young;
The deer in our neighborhood reproduce madly
The Catholic Church tells people to procreate, no matter what their economic situation may be
Copy
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Reproduce
Recreate an idea, mood, atmosphere, etc. as by artistic means;
He reproduced the feeling of sadness in the portrait
Copy
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
Reproduce
Repeat after memorization;
For the exam, you must be able to regurgitate the information
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
Common Curiosities
Are all forms of art reproduction considered copying?
Not exactly; art reproductions can involve reinterpretations and slight variations, unlike direct copying.
How does digital technology affect the concept of copying?
Digital technology allows for exact and efficient copying of data and media without loss of fidelity.
How do artists reproduce their works?
Artists may reproduce works manually or use techniques like printing to create multiple copies.
Is reproducing always related to living things?
No, reproducing can also refer to duplicating non-living items, especially in art or manufacturing.
What does "copy" imply in legal contexts?
In legal contexts, making a copy can refer to unauthorized duplication, which might infringe copyright laws.
What is the main difference between copying and reproducing?
Copying focuses on exact duplication, while reproducing involves creating something very similar but possibly with variations.
Can digital artwork be reproduced?
Yes, digital artwork can be reproduced, often with exact fidelity, across various media.
Can both terms be used interchangeably in the context of biology?
In biology, "reproduce" is more appropriate as it involves biological processes, while "copy" is rarely used.
Is there a difference in skill required to copy versus reproduce artwork?
Reproducing artwork often requires more artistic skill and interpretation than straightforward copying.
Can copying in computers lead to data loss?
Generally, copying in computers does not lead to data loss unless there are errors in the process.
Do photocopies represent an exact copy of the original?
Photocopies are designed to be exact, though there can be minor differences due to machine limitations.
Why might a business choose to reproduce an old product design?
A business might reproduce an old product design to capitalize on nostalgia or because of continued consumer demand.
What ethical concerns arise with copying in academia?
Copying in academia, like plagiarism, raises serious ethical concerns and can undermine academic integrity.
How does reproductive technology influence biological reproduction?
Reproductive technologies can assist or enhance natural biological processes, often improving reproductive outcomes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
