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Photostat Vs Photocopy, Differences And How To Use Each

Photostat Vs Photocopy, Differences And How To Use Each

As we can see, these words have some similarities. Despite this, they are not entirely identical. If you want to know how to identify each of these words and use them correctly, read the following text.

The main difference between these words is the spelling. They are synonyms, meaning that they share an associated definition. “Photostat” replicates a printed image, and “photocopy” duplicates with a photocopier. However, the term “photostat” is archaic, and you should use “photocopy.”

guy in photostat machine

Origin And Etymology Of These Words

The term “photostat” is originally from the 20th century. In 1909 people started using this word to refer to the name of a product from a brand, but in 1914 people started using it as a noun. The etymology of “photostat” comes from the prefix photo- which means light, and the suffix -stat, which means immediately.

On the other hand, the word “photocopy” is from the year 1924. The origin of the term is from the prefix -photo and the word copy combined.

When Can You Use These Words In A Sentence?

You can use these terms to refer to the machine invented in the 1900s (photostat). In addition to this, you can use “photocopy” to refer to the action of duplicating a physical document, paper, or image. Technically, you can use these words in the same context because they are synonyms. But as mentioned before, the word “photostat” is outdated, and the correct way of saying it is “photocopy.”

Examples Of The Words “Photostat” And “Photocopy” In A Sentence

  • In 1900, the photostat machine was released to the public for the first time.
  • I found a photostat machine in an antique store. It does not work, though.
  • My great grandfather was one of the creators of the photostat machine.
  • Do you know what a photostat is? I think you are too young to understand.
  • I need a photocopy of the receipt. If I lose it, I cannot return my purchase.
  • A photocopy is always a great backup. However, last time, that company told me that they needed another version of my document.
  • You cannot sell any of these photocopies because it is illegal. If you keep doing it, you could get in trouble.
  • I need to present a legalized version of my birth certificate. Can you please give me a photocopy of it?
  • Photocopy your record and save it. You do not know when you will need it.
  • If you are not going to use that photocopy, please do not print it. You can help the planet with a minimum effort.

What Type Of Words Are “Photostat” And “Photocopy,” And Why?

Photostat is a noun because it is a word that describes an object. The term photocopy is a verb that can also be a noun in some situations. It is a verb because it portrays an action.

Synonyms of these words

  • Copy
  • Duplication
  • Facsimile
  • Fax
  • Imitation
  • Mimeograph
  • Print
  • Recreate
  • Replica
  • Replication
  • Xerox

Examples of how you can use these synonyms of “photostat” and “photocopy” in a sentence:

  • I told you, this song is a copy of the one I showed you last night.
  • We need to stop this massive duplication of waste. We need to save the planet.
  • He wants to buy a facsimile version of Johannes Vermeer’s piece of art. He loves Girl with a Pearl Earring.
  • In my company, we still use fax machines. It makes me nostalgic and reminds me of old but good times.
  • These sneakers are all cheap imitations. If you want to buy authentic pairs, use the website I recommended last time.
  • She cannot believe that the mimeograph machine is that old. Our teacher showed us some models that our school had from 1905.
  • Stop printing unnecessary things. Using too much paper produces a lot of methane gas in the air.
  • He wants to recreate the scene that he saw yesterday in the movie. His girlfriend told him that it was too hard, but he still wanted to do it.
  • I want to create a replica of that masterpiece. I know that it is one of a kind, but I adore it.
  • I would not say that I like the sound of these loud xerox machines. Sometimes, I want to sleep in peace, but my roommate has two at home.

photocopy word in the dictionary

Antonyms of these words

  • Archetype
  • Handwritten
  • Manual
  • Non-mechanical
  • Original
  • Originative
  • Scanner
  • Unique

Examples of how you can use these antonyms of “photostat” and “photocopy” in a sentence:

  • You act like the archetype of a “perfect” human being. You try to show that your life is unbelievable and luxurious, but it is not like that in reality.
  • I do not have a printer at home. Therefore, every single one of my essays is handwritten by me.
  • Manual machines are obsolete these days. Technology is too advanced for that.
  • In the 18th and 19th century people used non-mechanical devices and objects.
  • Nowadays, people are not original at all. Everyone follows the mainstream and keeps up with trends.
  • He describes himself as an originative person. He comes up with new ideas every five minutes. He is extremely imaginative.
  • She wants a new scanner. The one that she had does not work anymore, and she needs it because she uses scanners for her work.
  • You are a unique person. The more I know you, the more I think that you are someone unique and irreplaceable.

Famous quotes with the words “photostat” and “photocopy”

  • “If your boss is drunk and she asks to photocopy her back, do not advantageously propose pressing decrease 75%.” — Scott Adams.
  • “People repeat the identical and traditional cliches, and it becomes like a photocopy of a photocopy of pieces of what someone said before that is amusing.” — Steve Coogan.
  • “I did a typewritten paper which is still in use today. I own a photocopy of it, and there, I am declaring that this aircraft could replace one of the best aircraft ever. That is what I thought.” — Adolf Galland.
  • “I still work with many cut-ups. I materially cut-up sections of a paper and attach them all with different pieces of paper, then I would say, “Oh, that looks great,” or rearrange them. After that, I would photocopy it, and that is how I create my lyrics.” — Thighpaulsandra.
  • “Duplicating kids from common children. They will be unusual individuals, not photocopies of somebody else.” — Severino Antinori.
  • “During the beginning of my career, conceptual snapshotting had converted into something that had to be freshman-like. It had to be monochromatic or photocopied, or something that did not need to be taken that seriously. It had to operate facing technical skills and all that. So, I believe that my job is full of restrictions because it can be perceived as common or reachable. It does appear like it is now “explained at initial perception.” It does look like it is an element of a more extended commerce.” — Elad Lassry.

photocopying machine

Conclusion

As shown above, you can now spot some differences between these two words. At the same time, you can now use these words in a sentence and understand in which context they are used. In addition to this, you have some quotes that can be useful for some general knowledge.

Last but not least, remember that these words have a similar definition. Still, photostat is an old-fashioned term that needs to be replaced.