copybook
UK[ˈkɒpibʊk]US[ˈkɑːpibʊk]
n
A book containing models of handwriting for learners to imitate.
n
A book in which copies of documents, letters, or accounts are kept.
adj
Conforming perfectly to an established standard; exemplary.
Morpheme Breakdown
copy
book
copy
a transcript or reproduction
book
Etymology
The word 'copybook' is a transparent English compound formed from the nouns 'copy' and 'book'. 'Copy' entered English via Old French 'copie', from Medieval Latin 'copia' meaning "transcript", which itself evolved from the Classical Latin 'copia' signifying "abundance, plenty"—the link being the idea of producing an abundant number of reproductions from an original. 'Book' has Germanic origins, tracing back to Proto-Germanic 'bōks', likely related to beechwood tablets used for writing. The compound first emerged in the late 16th century, logically describing a book specifically designed for holding copies, whether as models for penmanship or as records. Its modern figurative sense, meaning impeccably correct or exemplary, derives from the notion of a perfect imitation of the model handwriting found in such a book.
Analysis
Structure: copy + book
- copy: From Latin 'copia' (abundance, transcript). In this compound, it functions as a modifier meaning "a transcript or reproduction".
- book: From Old English 'bōc' (a written document, set of sheets). In this compound, it functions as the head noun denoting the physical object.
Examples
The schoolchildren carefully traced the letters in their copybooks.
He maintained a detailed copybook of all his business correspondence.
The pilot executed a copybook landing despite the crosswinds.