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English Lexicon

Softcover

/ˈsɒftˌkʌv.ər/
nounadjectiveCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #14500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A book with a flexible paper or thin cardboard cover; a paperback.

    "She preferred buying softcovers because they were lighter to carry in her bag."
As adjective
  1. 1

    Bound with a flexible paper cover rather than stiff boards.

    "The novel was published in both hardcover and softcover editions."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term is a compound formed from 'soft' (from Old English 'sōfte', meaning gentle or pliable) and 'cover' (from Old French 'couvrir', ultimately from Latin 'cooperire', to cover completely). It emerged in the mid-20th century as publishing innovations popularized flexible paper bindings as an economical alternative to hardcovers.

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