Pronunciation: /ˈkɒpilɛft/

Definitions of copyleft

noun a play on the word copyright, referring to the practice of using copyright law to offer the right to distribute copies and modified versions of a work and requiring that the same rights be preserved in modified versions

Example Sentences

A1 Copyleft means that the original creator of a work allows others to use and share it for free.

A2 I learned about copyleft licenses in my computer science class.

B1 Many open source software projects use copyleft licenses to encourage collaboration.

B2 The copyleft movement aims to promote the sharing and distribution of creative works.

C1 Some artists choose to release their work under copyleft licenses to ensure it remains freely accessible.

C2 Understanding the legal implications of copyleft can be complex, but it is important for creators to protect their rights.

Examples of copyleft in a Sentence

formal The copyleft license allows users to freely distribute and modify the software while ensuring that the same freedoms are preserved in derivative works.

informal Copyleft basically means you can use and share the software however you want, as long as you keep it open source.

slang Copyleft is like the 'share and care' rule for software - you can do whatever you want with it, just don't forget to give credit!

figurative In the world of copyleft, sharing is caring - the more you give, the more you receive in return.

Grammatical Forms of copyleft

past tense

copylefted

plural

copylefts

comparative

more copyleft

superlative

most copyleft

present tense

copylefts

future tense

will copyleft

perfect tense

have copylefted

continuous tense

is copylefting

singular

copyleft

positive degree

copyleft

infinitive

to copyleft

gerund

copylefting

participle

copylefted

Origin and Evolution of copyleft

First Known Use: 1984 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'copyleft' is a play on the word 'copyright' and was coined in the context of the free software movement.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the practice of using copyright law to ensure that software remains open and freely available, 'copyleft' has since been expanded to cover a broader range of creative works and has become associated with the concept of sharing and promoting open access to information.