Words / C2

KOHP-ee-uh-s/ˈkəʊpiəs/

Copious means in large amounts, more than enough: copious notes, copious tears (a slightly old-fashioned pairing). Lots of is everyday; abundant is a close formal synonym. Copiously is the adverb (copiously illustrated), and the word is literary or playfully formal — fine in a review, odd over coffee. In speech, masses of or pages of will do; it praises quantity, not quality.

Meaning

In large amounts; more than enough (formal).

Examples

• “He took copious notes during the lecture.”
• “He took copious notes and then never read them.”
• “The appendix offers copious examples, few of them necessary.”

Good to know

copious notes/examples. Formal/literary for a great deal. Everyday: lots of / abundant. Quantity, not quality.

Near in meaning

abundant

New