hard copy

[paysage57]

Dear all,

Does "hard copy" have the same meaning as "original" (talking about a document)?

Thank you

Guillaume

 

[Tullia]

Dear all,

Does "hard copy" have the same meaning as "original" (talking about a document)?

Thank you

Guillaume

No. Hard copy is a printed (or, less commonly, written) document, as opposed to a "virtual" document which exists as a computer file. So for instance, you might recieve an email at work with a scanned letter attached, and then print out the letter in order to have a "hard copy" to take home and read there.

 

[SoothingDave]

The opposite is a "soft copy," some sort of computer file.

 

[paysage57]

Many thanks to both of you!