Cope

Definition

Cope refers to the ability to manage or deal effectively with difficult situations or challenges, whether emotional, mental, or physical. It can also refer to a method of handling something stressful or demanding.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /koʊp/
• Respelling: kohp

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəʊp/
• Respelling: kohp

The pronunciation of "cope" is identical in both American and British English, with only slight differences in accent.

Etymology

The word "cope" comes from the Old French word "coper," meaning "to strike" or "to meet in battle," which is derived from the Late Latin word "colpus," meaning "a blow or strike." Over time, it came to mean the act of dealing with or managing challenges or difficult situations.

Derivatives

• Coping (verb, noun)
• Copable (adjective)
• Coped (verb)
• Cope with (phrasal verb)
• Copeless (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Manage
• Handle
• Endure

Antonyms

• Struggle
• Succumb
• Collapse

Usage

The word "cope" is used to describe how someone handles or manages a difficult or stressful situation. For example, "She found it hard to cope with the loss of her job," or "The team had to cope with several setbacks during the project." It is often used with the preposition "with," as in "cope with" to describe what is being managed.

Related Terms

• Adapt: To adjust or modify to fit new conditions or situations.
• Persevere: To persist in doing something despite difficulties or delays.
• Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To deal effectively with something difficult: Refers to managing or handling a challenging or stressful situation.
  • Example: "He had to cope with a lot of pressure at work."
• To contend or struggle with something: Can also refer to facing challenges or adversities.
  • Example: "She found it difficult to cope with the demands of the new job."

Noun

• A long ceremonial cloak worn in religious ceremonies: Refers to a vestment worn by clergy, often in liturgical services or formal religious occasions.
  • Example: "The bishop wore a richly decorated cope during the church procession."