Copious

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈkoʊ.pi.əs/

Definitions

• Large in quantity or number; abundant.
• Exhibiting or containing a large amount of something, especially in a detailed or excessive manner.

Usage Examples

• "The report was filled with copious notes on the subject."
• "She took copious notes during the lecture to ensure she remembered every detail."

Etymology

From Latin "copiosus," meaning abundant, from "copia," meaning abundance, plenty.

Synonyms

• Abundant
• Plentiful
• Profuse
• Excessive
• Lavish

Antonyms

• Scarce
• Insufficient
• Limited
• Meager

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the "o" sound may be more rounded, pronounced as /ˈkəʊ.pi.əs/.
• In American English, the "o" is typically pronounced as /ˈkoʊ.pi.əs/ with a more open sound.

Historical Usage

The term "copious" has been used since the 16th century, originally derived from Latin, where "copia" referred to abundance or plenty. In historical texts, it was often used to describe large quantities of food, writing, or resources. Its use has remained largely consistent, referring to something plentiful or excessive in amount.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the word "copious" often conveys a positive sense of abundance, especially in the context of food or resources. However, when used in contexts like notes or writing, it may imply excessiveness, sometimes suggesting that something is overdone or unnecessarily detailed.

More Information

The word "copious" is used widely across different contexts, particularly when describing large amounts of something. In literature, it's often employed to indicate an overwhelming amount of writing, such as "copious notes" or "copious details." In modern usage, it can refer to a variety of things, from copious amounts of rainfall to the production of copious amounts of data. The adjective is especially useful for emphasizing abundance, whether in a literal or figurative sense.