photostatic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "photostatic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is produced by a photostat machine, often referring to copies or reproductions of documents. Example: "The contract was submitted in photostatic form to ensure that all parties had identical copies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The first the Romeo family knew about theie house being Miss Jerome's birthplace was when a reporter from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle came around bringing photostatic copies of the municipal records.

The New Yorker

He showed a photostatic copy of a Jan.

The New Yorker

The most prominent works in his first major collage show, in 1964, were photostatic enlargements of collages — the Studio Museum owns one called "Conjur Woman" — rather than the real things.

The New York Times - Arts

"I need photostatic copies of these, please".

The Guardian - Film

"So I have lunch with the president every second Tuesday, and you don't have time to give me a few lousy photostatic copies.

The Guardian - Film

I'm taking Mr Thomas up to make some photostatic copies".

The Guardian - Film

By M. Reskin and Geoffrey T. Hellman The New Yorker, June 14 , 1952P. 27 A local librarian wrote two letters to the United States Commissioner of Patents, requesting photostatic copies of a French and British patent.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, June 14 , 1952P. 27 A local librarian wrote two letters to the United States Commissioner of Patents, requesting photostatic copies of a French and British patent.

The New Yorker

My mind was photostatic with a computer before the computer ever came.

The New York Times

In some subsequent black-and-white strips, he copied his illustrations with a photostatic camera and used them as backgrounds for other panels, creating a strange simulation of depth.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Posters in English, Italian, and Yiddish advise women that Dishonesty has its Penalty — Jail… Photostatic copies of newspaper articles tell how Irene Kennedy drank half a pint of whiskey to relieve a toothache, then stole dresses worth twenty-four-ninety, and wasentntoto jail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when choosing between "photostatic" and more common synonyms like "photocopy". Use "photostatic" when historical accuracy or technical precision is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "photostatic" interchangeably with digital copying methods. "Photostatic" refers to a specific analog process, and using it for digital copies can be inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "photostatic" primarily functions to describe something produced by xerography or a photostat machine, as confirmed by Ludwig. It typically modifies nouns, indicating the origin or method of creation, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Film

20%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "photostatic" is a grammatically correct adjective used to describe something made by xerography, confirmed by Ludwig. While considered correct and usable in written English, in modern contexts more common synonyms as "photocopy" might be preferable. Its use appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with the term being used to describe copies of documents and images. When using "photostatic", ensure the context is appropriate and consider your audience when choosing between "photostatic" and a more modern term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

photocopying

Refers to the process of making a copy, which is a direct action related to what "photostatic" describes as a characteristic.

xerographic

Indicates the method of copying used, making it a technical synonym in many contexts.

reproduced copy

Emphasizes the result of the process, a copy that has been created through a specific method.

duplicate

A general term for making an exact copy; less specific about the method.

facsimile

Highlights the exactness of the copy, aiming to be as close to the original as possible.

image reproduction

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the copy, suitable when discussing images or visual documents.

exact replica

Stresses the precision of the duplication, suitable when high fidelity is required.

carbon copy

An older method of creating copies, relevant in historical contexts but different in technology.

printed copy

Focuses on the output being in printed form, which is a common result of photostatic processes.

mirror copy

Describes that the copy is like an image in the mirror that reflects the source document or picture.

FAQs

How is "photostatic" different from "photocopy"?

"Photostatic" refers to a specific, older method of copying documents using a photostat machine, while "photocopy" is a more general term that includes modern copying methods.

When is it appropriate to use "photostatic"?

Use "photostatic" when referring to copies made using the photostat process, particularly in historical or technical contexts. Otherwise, use a term like "photocopy" or "duplicate".

What are some alternatives to using "photostatic" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reproduced copy", "xerographic", or "duplicate".

Is "photostatic copy" redundant?

While "photostatic" implies a copy, using "photostatic copy" can add emphasis and clarity, especially when distinguishing it from other types of copies. Using "photocopy" would be simpler.