Definition

A person who makes written copies of documents or texts.

Example

The copyist carefully transcribed the ancient manuscript.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about becoming a copyist?

Not really, but it sounds interesting!

I read that it's a great way to appreciate literature and art.

That's true! It must be satisfying to create beautiful copies.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Copyist → It is formed from "copy" (from Latin "copia", meaning abundance or plenty, which evolved to mean a reproduction of text) and "-ist" (meaning a person who practices or is concerned with something). A copyist is a person who makes copies of written material.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is a 'practitioner' ('-ist') of making 'reproductions' ('copy') of texts — that's what a copyist does.

Visually Confused Words