Simple Definition of copious
: very large in amount or number
Full Definition of copious
1 a : yielding something abundantly <a copious harvest> <copious springs> b : plentiful in number <copious references to other writers>
2 a : full of thought, information, or matter b : profuse or exuberant in words, expression, or style <a copious talker>
3 : present in large quantity : taking place on a large scale <copious weeping> <copious food and drink>
Examples of copious in a sentence
It was no surprise that spin was more copious than ever during the election campaign. —Michael Kinsley, Time, 25 Dec. 2000–1 Jan. 2001
These pockets of melted rock are rich in silica and release copious amounts of volatile gases that are held under high pressures. —Sandra Blakeslee, New York Times, 7 Apr. 1998
… travelers grew accustomed to having copious helpings of meat when they visited Quimper's inn. —James A. Michener, Texas, 1985
The Constants—ignorant, vulgar, and brash—had copious quantities of dumb luck. —Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., The Sirens Of Titan, 1959
The storm produced a copious amount of rain.
She sat in the front row and took copious notes during the lecture.
Did You Know?
Copious derives from Latin copia ("abundance"), which in turn combines the prefix co- and ops ("wealth" or "power"). "Copious" and "opulent" (also from "ops"), along with "ample," "plentiful," and "abundant," all mean "more than sufficient." "Ample" implies a generous sufficiency to satisfy a particular requirement ("ample proof"). "Copious" puts emphasis upon largeness of supply more than on fullness or richness ("copious toasts to the bride and groom"). "Plentiful" implies a rich, and usually more than sufficient, supply ("a plentiful supply of textbooks"). "Abundant" suggests a greater or richer supply than "plentiful" does ("moved by the abundant offers to help"). But use "opulent" when the supply is both abundant and infused with a richness that allows an extra measure of gratification ("the opulent blossoms of the cherry trees").
Origin of copious
Middle English, from Latin copiosus, from copia abundance, from co- + ops wealth — more at opulent
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of copious
COPIOUS Defined for Kids
Seen and Heard
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