Mock vs. Copy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
A mock is created as a simulation or imitation, often for testing or ridicule, while a copy is an exact or close replication of the original without alteration.
Difference Between Mock and Copy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A mock is used primarily to simulate or mimic the functionalities of a real object in a testing environment, enabling developers or testers to ensure stability and functionality. On the other hand, a copy is intended to replicate another object as closely as possible, preserving its original features and content.
In terms of intent, mocks are often created for the purpose of critique or satire, using exaggeration or distortion to highlight flaws or for comedic effect, whereas copies are made to preserve or increase accessibility to the original content or design without any change or critique.
Artists might use mock objects in performance art or conceptual art to challenge viewers’ perceptions or to provoke thought, while copies in the art world, such as replicas of famous paintings, are created to make art more accessible or for educational purposes.
The creation of a mock might involve creative liberties that diverge significantly from the source to emphasize particular aspects or functionalities, whereas a copy seeks to remain as faithful as possible to its source, often requiring meticulous attention to detail.
Mocks are valued for their ability to test, critique, or provide an alternative perspective on the original, enhancing understanding or functionality. Copies, however, are appreciated for their fidelity and ability to preserve the original's essence and continuity.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To simulate, test, or ridicule
To replicate exactly
Intent
Often satirical or for testing functionalities
Preservation of original features
Common Uses
Testing in software development, satire
Reproductions, backups, duplications
Creative Liberty
May involve significant alterations
Minimal to none; aims for exactness
Value
Provides insight, critique, or functionality
Preserves and makes accessible the original
Compare with Definitions
Mock
An imitation or replica made to simulate something for testing or to make a critical point.
The engineers used a mock of the new engine to test for faults.
Copy
A replica or reproduction that is intended to be as identical as possible to the original.
She ordered a copy of the rare book from a specialized publisher.
Mock
Used for ridicule or satire, often exaggerating features.
The comedian's mock of the politician was both hilarious and pointed.
Copy
Used in contexts where exact duplication is necessary.
The architect made several copies of the blueprint for the contractors.
Mock
Created as a simulation in software development.
The developer created a mock database to test the application.
Copy
Refers to replicating data in computing.
The software allows you to copy data from one device to another effortlessly.
Mock
A prototype or model used to demonstrate or test features.
The mock-up of the book cover allowed the author to visualize the final product.
Copy
To replicate or reproduce without significant alteration.
The museum displayed a copy of the ancient sculpture.
Mock
A fake version intended to deceive or practice.
The mock interview helped her prepare for the real thing.
Copy
A duplicate made for archival or backup purposes.
He kept a copy of all his files on an external hard drive.
Mock
Tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner
Opposition MPs mocked the government's decision
Copy
A thing made to be similar or identical to another
The problem is telling which is the original document and which the copy
Mock
Make a replica or imitation of something.
Copy
A single specimen of a particular book, record, or other publication or issue
The record has sold more than a million copies
Mock
Not authentic or real, but without the intention to deceive
Jim threw up his hands in mock horror
A mock-Georgian red brick house
Copy
Matter to be printed
Copy for the next issue must be submitted by the beginning of the month
Mock
Mock examinations
Obtaining Grade A in mocks
Copy
A blank booklet or notebook used for schoolwork
You need a stock of exercise copies, A4 refill pads, and maths copies
Examinees will not be allowed to take pens, copies, or water bottles inside the test centre
Mock
An object of derision
He has become the mock of all his contemporaries
Copy
Make a similar or identical version of; reproduce
Each form had to be copied and sent to a different department
Mock
To treat with ridicule or contempt; deride
Was mocked for contradicting himself.
Mocked her superficial understanding of the issues.
Copy
Imitate the style or behaviour of
Lifestyles that were copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue
Art students copied from approved old masters
Mock
To imitate in fun or derision
Mocked his high-pitched voice.
Copy
Hear or understand someone speaking on a radio transmitter
This is Edwards, do you copy, over
Mock
To mimic or resemble closely
A whistle that mocks the call of seabirds.
Copy
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
Mock
To frustrate the hopes or intentions of
"The massive blister mocked my efforts" (Willie Morris).
Copy
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
Mock
To cause to appear irrelevant, ineffectual, or impossible
"The Depression mocked the Puritan assumption that failure in life was the wages of sin when even the hardest-working, most pious husbands began to lose hope" (Walter McDougall).
Copy
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
Mock
To express scorn or ridicule; jeer
They mocked at the idea.
Copy
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Mock
The act of mocking.
Copy
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Mock
An object of scorn or derision
Became the mock of his associates.
Copy
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Mock
Simulated; false; sham
A mock battle.
Copy
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
Mock
In an insincere or pretending manner
Mock sorrowful.
Copy
To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.
Mock
An imitation, usually of lesser quality.
Copy
To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.
Mock
; the act of mocking.
Copy
To make a copy or copies.
Mock
A practice exam set by an educating institution to prepare students for an important exam.
He got a B in his History mock, but improved to an A in the exam.
Copy
To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.
Mock
(software engineering) A mockup or prototype; particularly, mock object, as used in unit testing.
Copy
To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.
Mock
To mimic, to simulate.
Copy
The result of copying; an identical duplicate of an original.
Please bring me the copies of those reports.
Mock
(rare) To create an artistic representation of.
Copy
An imitation, sometimes of inferior quality.
That handbag is a copy. You can tell because the buckle is different.
Mock
To make fun of, especially by mimicking; to taunt.
Copy
(journalism) The text that is to be typeset.
Mock
To tantalise, and disappoint the hopes of.
Copy
(journalism) A gender-neutral abbreviation for copy boy.
Mock
To create a mockup or prototype of.
Copy
The output of copywriters, who are employed to write material which encourages consumers to buy goods or services.
Mock
Imitation, not genuine; fake.
Mock leather
Mock trial
Mock turtle-soup
Copy
(uncountable) The text of newspaper articles.
Submit all copy to the appropriate editor.
Mock
To imitate; to mimic; esp., to mimic in sport, contempt, or derision; to deride by mimicry.
To see the life as lively mocked as everStill sleep mocked death.
Mocking marriage with a dame of France.
Copy
A school work pad.
Tim got in trouble for forgetting his maths copy.
Mock
To treat with scorn or contempt; to deride.
Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud.
Let not ambition mock their useful toil.
Copy
A printed edition of a book or magazine.
Have you seen the latest copy of "Newsweek" yet?
The library has several copies of the Bible.
Mock
To disappoint the hopes of; to deceive; to tantalize; as, to mock expectation.
Thou hast mocked me, and told me lies.
He will not . . . Mock us with his blest sight, then snatch him hence.
Copy
Writing paper of a particular size, called also bastard.
Mock
To make sport in contempt or in jest; to speak in a scornful or jeering manner.
When thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?
She had mocked at his proposal.
Copy
(obsolete) That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example.
His virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Mock
An act of ridicule or derision; a scornful or contemptuous act or speech; a sneer; a jibe; a jeer.
Fools make a mock at sin.
Copy
(obsolete) An abundance or plenty of anything.
Mock
Imitation; mimicry.
Copy
(obsolete) copyhold; tenure; lease
Mock
Imitating reality, but not real; false; counterfeit; assumed; sham.
That superior greatness and mock majesty.
Copy
(genetics) The result of gene or chromosomal duplication.
Mock
The act of mocking or ridiculing;
They made a mock of him
Copy
(transitive) To produce an object identical to a given object.
Please copy these reports for me.
Mock
Treat with contempt;
The new constitution mocks all democratic principles
Copy
(transitive) To give or transmit a copy to (a person).
Make sure you copy me on that important memo.
Mock
Imitate with mockery and derision;
The children mocked their handicapped classmate
Copy
To place a copy of an object in memory for later use.
First copy the files, and then paste them in another directory.
Mock
Constituting a copy or imitation of something;
Boys in mock battle
Copy
(transitive) To imitate.
Don't copy my dance moves.
Mom, he's copying me!
Copy
(radio) To receive a transmission successfully.
Do you copy?
Copy
An abundance or plenty of anything.
She was blessed with no more copy of wit, but to serve his humor thus.
Copy
An imitation, transcript, or reproduction of an original work; as, a copy of a letter, an engraving, a painting, or a statue.
I have not the vanity to think my copy equal to the original.
Copy
An individual book, or a single set of books containing the works of an author; as, a copy of the Bible; a copy of the works of Addison.
Copy
That which is to be imitated, transcribed, or reproduced; a pattern, model, or example; as, his virtues are an excellent copy for imitation.
Let him first learn to write, after a copy, all the letters.
Copy
Manuscript or printed matter to be set up in type; as, the printers are calling for more copy.
Copy
A writing paper of a particular size. Same as Bastard. See under Paper.
Copy
Copyhold; tenure; lease.
Copy
To make a copy or copies of; to write; print, engrave, or paint after an original; to duplicate; to reproduce; to transcribe; as, to copy a manuscript, inscription, design, painting, etc.; - often with out, sometimes with off.
I like the work well; ere it be demanded(As like enough it will), I'd have it copied.
Let this be copied out,And keep it safe for our remembrance.
Copy
To imitate; to attempt to resemble, as in manners or course of life.
We copy instinctively the voices of our companions, their accents, and their modes of pronunciation.
Copy
To make a copy or copies; to imitate.
Copy
To yield a duplicate or transcript; as, the letter did not copy well.
Some . . . never fail, when they copy, to follow the bad as well as the good things.
Copy
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
Copy
A secondary representation of an original;
She made a copy of the designer dress
Copy
Matter to be printed; exclusive of graphical materials
Copy
Material suitable for a journalistic account;
Catastrophes make good copy
Copy
Copy down as is;
The students were made to copy the alphabet over and over
Copy
Reproduce someone's behavior or looks;
The mime imitated the passers-by
Children often copy their parents or older siblings
Copy
Biology: reproduce or make an exact copy of;
Replicate the cell
Copy the genetic information
Copy
Make a replica of;
Copy that drawing
Re-create a picture by Rembrandt
Common Curiosities
Why might someone prefer a copy over the original?
Someone might prefer a copy over the original for reasons of cost, accessibility, or to preserve the condition of the original.
What is an example of a mock in software development?
In software development, a mock object is used to mimic the behavior of real objects in controlled ways as a part of a testing framework.
What is the primary purpose of creating a mock?
The primary purpose of creating a mock is for testing, simulation, or to provide critique or satire.
How does a copy differ from a duplicate?
A copy is an exact or close replication intended to be identical to the original, while a duplicate often refers to the act or process of making the replication.
What role do mocks play in product design?
Mocks, such as prototypes or mock-ups, play a crucial role in product design by allowing designers to explore designs and test functionalities before final production.
Are copies legally the same as originals?
Legally, copies are not the same as originals, especially in terms of copyright, although they replicate the physical or digital characteristics.
How are mocks used in the film industry?
In the film industry, mocks might be used in storyboards or as props to simulate real objects or scenarios during production.
Can a mock be used in educational settings?
Yes, mocks, such as mock exams or training scenarios, are commonly used in educational settings to simulate real-life situations or tests.
Can a mock be considered an original work?
A mock can be considered an original work if it involves significant creative input or alteration from the source material.
How is a copy used in digital media?
In digital media, copies are used for creating backups, distributing content, or ensuring data redundancy for security purposes.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
