copula

[ kop-yuh-luh ]

noun

, plural cop·u·las, cop·u·lae [kop, -y, uh, -lee].

1. something that connects or links together.
2. Also called linking verb. Grammar. a verb, as be, seem, or look, that serves as a connecting link or establishes an identity between subject and complement. Compare action verb.
3. Logic. a word or set of words that acts as a connecting link between the subject and predicate of a proposition.

copula

/ ˈkɒpjʊlə /

noun

1. a verb, such as be, seem, or taste, that is used merely to identify or link the subject with the complement of a sentence. Copulas may serve to link nouns (or pronouns), as in he became king, nouns (or pronouns) and adjectival complements, as in sugar tastes sweet, or nouns (or pronouns) and adverbial complements, as in John is in jail
2. anything that serves as a link
3. logic the often unexpressed link between the subject and predicate terms of a categorial proposition, as are in all men are mortal

Derived Forms

• ˈcopular, adjective

Other Words From

• copu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of copula¹

1640–50; < Latin cōpula, equivalent to co- co- + ap- fasten ( apt ) + -ula -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of copula¹

C17: from Latin: bond, connection, from co- together + apere to fasten

Example Sentences

Lady arachnids have a well-deserved reputation for polishing off their suitors, post copula, in a manner that Hannibal Lecter might have admired.

From Economist

We may, indeed, say, ½a friendship has long existed between them,¸ instead of saying, ½there has long been a friendship between them;¸ but in this case, exist is not a mere copula.

From Project Gutenberg

We say ‘murder is death to the perpetrator’ where the copula is brings; ‘two and two are four,’ the copula being ‘have the value of,’ etc.”

From Project Gutenberg

These propositions, as will be seen, are not cast in what the logician calls logical form, with regular terms and copula.

From Project Gutenberg

By means of this representation, and the peculiar nature of the attribute, the verb is distinguished from the mere logical copula, with which it is liable to be confounded if these ideas are not understood.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• association
• channel
• contact
• element
• hookup
• network
• relationship
• tie