cope
1[ kohp ]
/ koʊp /
verb (used without object), coped, cop·ing.
to struggle or deal, especially on fairly even terms or with some degree of success (usually followed by with): I will try to cope with his rudeness.
to face and deal with responsibilities, problems, or difficulties, especially successfully or in a calm or adequate manner: After his breakdown he couldn't cope any longer.
Archaic. to come into contact; meet (usually followed by with).
verb (used with object), coped, cop·ing.
British Informal. to cope with.
Obsolete. to come into contact with; encounter.
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Question 1 of 7
schlep
Origin of cope
11300–50; Middle English coupen < Anglo-French, Old French couper to strike, derivative of coup coup1
OTHER WORDS FROM cope
cope·less, adjectivecope·less·ness, nounWords nearby cope
copartnership, copasetic, copay, copayment, copd, cope, copeck, copehan, copemate, copen, copenhagen
Definition for cope (2 of 4)
cope2
[ kohp ]
/ koʊp /
noun
a long mantle, especially of silk, worn by ecclesiastics over the alb or surplice in processions and on other occasions.
any cloaklike or canopylike covering.
the sky.
a coping.
verb (used with object), coped, cop·ing.
to furnish with or as if with a cope or coping.
Origin of cope
2Definition for cope (3 of 4)
cope3
[ kohp ]
/ koʊp /
verb (used with object), coped, cop·ing.
Building Trades.
- to join (two molded wooden members) by undercutting the end of one of them to the profile of the other so that the joint produced resembles a miter joint (usually followed by in or together).
- to form (a joint between such members) in this way.
- to undercut the end of (a molded wooden member) in order to form a coped joint.
- to cut away (a flange of a metal member) so that it may be joined to another member at an angle.
Falconry. to clip or dull (the beak or talons of a hawk).
Origin of cope
31565–75; < French couper to cut; see cope1
Definition for cope (4 of 4)
cope4
[ kohp ]
/ koʊp /
verb (used with object), coped, cop·ing. British.
to barter; trade; exchange.
Origin of cope
41400–50; late Middle English copen < Low German; compare Middle Dutch côpen to buy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for cope
British Dictionary definitions for cope (1 of 4)
cope1
/ (kəʊp) /
verb
(intr foll by with) to contend (against)
(intr) to deal successfully with or handle a situation; manageshe coped well with the problem
(tr) archaic
- to deal with
- to meet in battle
Word Origin for cope
C14: from Old French coper to strike, cut, from coup blow; see coup 1
British Dictionary definitions for cope (2 of 4)
cope2
/ (kəʊp) /
noun
a large ceremonial cloak worn at solemn liturgical functions by priests of certain Christian sects
any covering shaped like a cope
verb
(tr) to dress (someone) in a cope
Word Origin for cope
Old English cāp, from Medieval Latin cāpa, from Late Latin cappa hooded cloak; see cap
British Dictionary definitions for cope (3 of 4)
cope3
/ (kəʊp) /
verb (tr)
to provide (a wall) with a coping
to join (two moulded timber members)
noun
another name for coping
Word Origin for cope
C17: probably from French couper to cut; see cope 1
British Dictionary definitions for cope (4 of 4)
COPE
/ (kəʊp) /
n acronym for (in South Africa)
Congress of the People: a political party founded in 2008 by dissident members of the ANC
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for cope
cope
[ kōp ]
v.
To contend with difficulties with the intent to overcome them.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.