Definition

1. Noun:
   • A digital or electronic version of a document or file: "soft copy" refers to information or data that exists in a non-physical, digital format, stored on a computer or other electronic device and typically displayed on a screen.

Usage

• A "soft copy" is the opposite of a "hard copy" (a physical printout on paper). It is the editable, storable, and transmittable electronic form of information.
• It is commonly used in academic, business, and technical contexts to refer to documents, reports, images, or any data that can be opened and read on a computer.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Please email me the soft copy of the presentation so I can review it on my laptop.
  • The library provides a soft copy of the journal article for download.
  • Always keep a soft copy of your important files as a backup.

Advanced Usage

• "To distribute in soft copy": to share a document electronically, not in printed form.
  • The manual will be distributed in soft copy to all employees via the company portal.

Variants and Related Words

• Hard copy (n): A physical printout of a document on paper.
  • After reviewing the soft copy, please print a hard copy for the archives.
• Digital file (n): A general term for any collection of data stored digitally, which can be a soft copy.
• Electronic document (n): A document created and stored in a digital format.

Synonyms

• Digital version: The electronic form of a document.
• Electronic copy: A copy that exists in an electronic format.

Antonyms

• Hard copy: A physical, printed version of a document.

Noun

1. (computer science) matter that is in a form that a computer can store or display it on a computer screen
   • he sent them soft copy of the report