copious
UK[ˈkəʊ.pi.əs]US[ˈkoʊ.pi.əs]
adj
existing or being produced in large quantities; abundant.
adj
(of writing or speech) using or containing an abundance of words or detail.
Morpheme Breakdown
copi
ous
copi
abundance
ous
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'copious' has a direct lineage from the latin adjective 'copiosus', which itself derives from the noun 'copia', signifying 'abundance, plenty, or resources' (from 'co-' [intensive] + 'ops' [wealth, power]). this etymological foundation directly informs the modern english meaning, as something described as copious is figuratively 'full of abundance'. the semantic journey is remarkably transparent, moving from the concrete notion of plentiful material supplies in latin to the more abstract application for anything existing in large quantity, including words or detail in speech and writing.
Analysis
Structure: copi (abundance) + ous (adjective suffix)
copi originates from latin 'copia' meaning 'abundance, plenty, resources'. ous is an adjective-forming suffix from latin '-osus', meaning 'full of, characterized by'.
Examples
the region receives copious rainfall during the monsoon season.
she took copious notes during the lecture to ensure she missed nothing.
his copious apologies did little to mend the damage caused by his initial remarks.