Hard Copy Meaning

Meaning of Word

Hard Copy

Definitions and Meaning in English

• Hard Copy refers to a physical version of a document or printout, as opposed to a digital or electronic copy.
• It is a tangible representation of information, usually printed on paper, that can be physically handled and stored.

History and Origin

The term “hard copy” originated in the mid-20th century, with the rise of computing and the need to distinguish between printed material and digital files. It combines “hard,” meaning solid or tangible, with “copy,” referring to a reproduction or duplicate of something. The phrase gained common use with the growing use of computers and printers in the 1980s and 1990s, as digital formats became more widespread.

Detailed Explanation

A hard copy is a printed version of a document or file that can be physically touched, unlike digital files which exist only electronically. For example, a printed contract, a printed report, or a paper letter would all be considered hard copies. Hard copies are often used when physical storage is required, for archiving, or when a physical signature is necessary.

With the rise of digital technology, hard copies are sometimes preferred in situations where an electronic version is not suitable, such as in legal matters, or where the person needs to physically review the document. In contrast, electronic copies are easily distributed and can be stored without physical space.

Example Sentences

1. I prefer reading a hard copy of a book rather than on a screen.
2. Make sure to print a hard copy of the report for the meeting tomorrow.
3. After the seminar, participants received a hard copy of the presentation slides.
4. You will need to submit a hard copy of the application form to the office.
5. The lawyer asked for a hard copy of the contract to review in detail.
6. The school provides students with both digital and hard copies of their assignments.
7. She printed a hard copy of her resume before the job interview.
8. They kept a hard copy of the receipt for tax purposes.
9. The archive contains both hard copies and digital files of the historical records.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Printed version – A copy of a document produced by printing, similar to a hard copy.
2. Paper copy – Refers specifically to a hard copy printed on paper.
3. Physical copy – A version of a document that exists in a tangible, physical form.
4. Printout – A document that has been printed from a computer or printer.
5. Manual copy – A version of a document that is manually produced, often in the context of physical paperwork.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Digital copy – A version of a document that exists in electronic form.
2. File – A collection of data or documents stored digitally.
3. Printer – A machine that produces hard copies of documents or images.
4. Archive – A storage area for physical or digital documents and records.
5. Photocopy – A duplicate of a document made using a copying machine, similar to a hard copy.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Hard-copy document – A document in printed form, as opposed to a digital one.
2. Hard-copy receipt – A physical, printed receipt given after a transaction.
3. Hard-copy file – A file stored in physical format, usually in a folder or binder.
4. Hard-copy book – A traditional, printed book, as opposed to an e-book.
5. Hard-copy form – A paper form used for applications or surveys, as opposed to an online form.

Antonyms

1. Digital copy – A version of a document or file stored in electronic format.
2. Electronic copy – A copy of a document that is stored digitally and accessed on devices.
3. Soft copy – Another term for a digital copy, which contrasts with the physical hard copy.
4. E-book – A digital version of a book that can be read on electronic devices.
5. Web version – An online version of a document or content that can be accessed via the internet.