copious
KOH-pee-us
/ˈkoʊ.pi.əs/
Abundant in supply or quantity; yielding or containing plenty.
Emphasizes sheer quantity, volume, or detailed richness.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'copia' (abundance, wealth, resources), formed from 'co-' (together) and 'ops' (wealth/power). 'Copia' is also the root of 'cornucopia' (horn of plenty).
Word relationships
- abundant: Abundant suggests plentiful availability in nature or supply, whereas copious often highlights heavy volume produced or used.
- plentiful: Plentiful is a simpler everyday word for sufficient abundance.
- meager: Meager indicates a lacking or deficient amount.
- sparse: Sparse refers to thin, thinly scattered amounts.
Commonly confused with
- bountiful: Bountiful carries a connotation of generous giving, while copious focuses neutrally on large volume.
Word family
- copiously (adverb): In large or abundant quantities.
- copiousness (noun): The state or quality of being abundant.
Collocations
- copious amounts
- copious notes
- copious rainfall
- copious evidence
Example sentences
- "The host provided copious amounts of food and beverage for all the wedding guests." Dining and food
- "She took copious notes during the hour-long lecture on culinary history." Academic work
Memory hook
COPIOUS amounts of COFFEE keep students awake. Copious coffee in plentiful supply.
When not to use
Avoid using to describe abstract qualities like speed or emotional intensity; it typically refers to measurable or observable amounts.
Fun facts
- The Latin root 'copia' also gives us the word 'copy', because early printing created 'abundant' duplicate copies of manuscripts.
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