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cope

verb (1)
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\ ˈkōp How to pronounce cope (audio) \
coped; coping

Definition of cope

 (Entry 1 of 4)

intransitive verb

1a : to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties —often used with withlearning to cope with the demands of her schedule
b : to maintain a contest or combat usually on even terms or with success —used with with
2 archaic : meet, encounter
3 obsolete : strike, fight

transitive verb

1 obsolete : to meet in combat
2 obsolete : to come in contact with
3 obsolete : match

cope

noun

Definition of cope (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : a long enveloping ecclesiastical vestment The priest wore a cope for the benediction.
2a : something resembling a cope (as by concealing or covering) … the dark sky's starry cope …— P. B. Shelley
b : coping

cope

verb (2)
coped; coping

Definition of cope (Entry 3 of 4)

transitive verb

: to cover or furnish with a cope

cope

verb (3)
coped; coping

Definition of cope (Entry 4 of 4)

transitive verb

1 : to shape (a structural member) to fit a coping or conform to the shape of another member
2 : notch
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about cope

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Examples of cope in a Sentence

Noun committed their nefarious deeds under the dark cope of night

First Known Use of cope

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 3

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (3)

circa 1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for cope

Verb (1)

Middle English copen, coupen, from Anglo-French couper to strike, cut, from cop, colp blow, from Late Latin colpus, alteration of Latin colaphus, from Greek kolaphos buffet

Noun and Verb (2)

Middle English, from Old English -cāp, from Late Latin cappa head covering

Verb (3)

probably from French couper to cut

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Time Traveler for cope

Time Traveler

The first known use of cope was in the 13th century

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Cite this Entry

“Cope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cope. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for cope

cope

noun

English Language Learners Definition of cope

: a long, loose piece of clothing that is worn by a priest on special occasions

See the full definition for cope in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cope

verb
\ ˈkōp How to pronounce cope (audio) \
coped; coping

Kids Definition of cope

: to deal with and try to find solutions for problems

cope

intransitive verb
\ ˈkōp How to pronounce cope (audio) \
coped; coping

Medical Definition of cope

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties —usually used with with helping children cope with grief

COPE

abbreviation

Medical Definition of COPE (Entry 2 of 2)

chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema

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More from Merriam-Webster on cope

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cope

Nglish: Translation of cope for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cope for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cope

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