copiously

Copiously is an adverb that means in large quantities or to a great extent. It denotes abundance or thoroughness in the way something is produced, described, or experienced. The word derives from the adjective copious, which stems from Latin copia meaning “abundance,” and entered English through Old French and Middle English forms before acquiring the -ly adverbial ending.

In usage, copiously modifies verbs and sometimes adjectives to emphasize volume, detail, or repetition. It is commonly applied to information, notes, documentation, writing, and evidence, as well as to more tangible matters such as rainfall, watering, or tears. Examples include: “The report was copiously documented with figures and references,” “The author cited sources copiously,” or “Tears flowed copiously.” The construct can also describe the manner of action, such as “watering the garden copiously.”

Copiously tends to appear in formal, literary, or analytic writing, where there is an emphasis on abundance or thoroughness. It often carries a neutral to positive connotation, suggesting completeness or extensiveness rather than merely large quantity, though it can be used descriptively in a broader range of contexts. Common synonyms include abundantly, profusely, and lavishly, while sparingly or scantily are near-antonyms.

Related forms include copious (the base adjective) and copiousness (the noun form). While similar to phrases like “in great detail,” copiously emphasizes volume and repetition, marking extensive documentation, description, or production.