What does "cope" mean?
A coping mechanism or self-delusion one clings to in order to endure a hopeless situation.
Cope
/ˈkoʊp/ intj, name, noun, verb, slang
intj, name, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A coping mechanism or self-delusion one clings to in order to endure a hopeless situation.
- Grammar: cope is listed as intj, name, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: address, air, apply, apply to.
- Useful contrasts: drowning, everyday clothes, fail.
- Usage evidence: You have to cope with those difficult problems.
How to use "cope"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cope" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cope" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cope" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cope" is acting as intj, name, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A coping mechanism or self-delusion one clings to in order to endure a hopeless situation. slang
"There was some public grousing about the number of white supremacists attempting to recruit, however; some incels argued that white supremacy was just another "cope"–just another self-deluding attempt to cover over the grim truth of the blackpill."
- 2 A long, loose cloak worn by a priest, deacon, or bishop when presiding over a ceremony other than the Mass. derogatory
"[…] there went firſt 160 Prieſts, all in their Copes, eight Biſhops next, […]"
- 3 a long cloak; worn by a priest or bishop on ceremonial occasions wordnet
- 4 Any covering such as a canopy or a mantle. derogatory
- 5 brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall wordnet
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 The vault or canopy of the skies, heavens etc. derogatory, literary
"the starry cope of heaven"
- 7 A covering piece on top of a wall exposed to the weather, usually made of metal, masonry, or stone, and sloped to carry off water. derogatory
- 8 The top part of a sand casting mold. derogatory
- 9 An ancient tribute due to the lord of the soil, out of the lead mines in Derbyshire, England. derogatory
Verb
- 1 To deal effectively with something, especially if difficult. intransitive
"Chelsea were coping comfortably as Liverpool left Luis Suarez too isolated. Steven Gerrard was also being forced to drop too deep to offer support to the beleaguered Jay Spearing and Jordan Henderson rather than add attacking potency alongside the Uruguayan."
- 2 To cover (a joint or structure) with coping. derogatory, transitive
- 3 To bargain for; to buy. derogatory, obsolete
- 4 To tie or sew up the mouth of a ferret used for hunting rabbits. derogatory, dialectal, obsolete
"His nimble ferrets must now become pioners for their master who coupes them, lest they should grow too fat to endure labour."
- 5 succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available wordnet
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 To cut and form a mitred joint in wood or metal.
- 7 To form a cope or arch; to arch or bend; to bow. derogatory, intransitive
"[W]e ſee that wreſtlers onely doe claſpe about, and imbrace one another with their armes; and the moſt part of their ſtriving one againſt another, whether it be performed by taking hold either directly or indirectly, by tripping, by coping and tugging, doe all bring them together, and enterlace them; […]"
- 8 To exchange or barter. derogatory, obsolete
"[The Patron] Will cope with thee in reasonable wise; That if the living yerely doo arise To fortie pound, that then his yongest sonne Shall twentie have, and twentie thou hast wonne."
- 9 To silence or prevent from speaking. derogatory, figuratively, obsolete
"Well sir? how triflingly soeuer you trauers the matter, these my Philosophicall proceedings (for any thing hitherto heard) might fullie suffice to put your fantasticall fooleries to a perpetuall non-sute: were you not like to the rauenous Ferret, which rendeth in peeces whatsoeuer poore Rabbet doth come in her reach. And therefore it shall not be amisse to cope vp your lips a little, by taking foorthwith so strict a course as you shall neuer be able to contradict with all your skill: which may in this sort be verie fitly effected."
- 10 To clip the beak or talons of a bird.
"the beak and talons should be closely coped"
- 11 To make return for; to requite; to repay. derogatory, obsolete
"Three thousand ducats due unto the Jew, / We freely cope your courteous pains withal."
- 12 To match oneself against; to meet; to encounter. derogatory, obsolete
"I love to cope him in these sullen fits."
- 13 To encounter; to meet; to have to do with. derogatory, obsolete
"Horatio, thou art e'en as just a man / As e'er my conversation coped withal."
Intj
- 1 An expression of spite towards someone who suffered a setback. derogatory
""The other guy cheated, I had no chance!" "Cope.""
- 2 A contemptuous dismissal, implying that someone should deal with some problem on their own and that the speaker will not engage any further. Internet, derogatory
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
- 2 A locality in the Mid-Western council area, eastern New South Wales, Australia.
- 3 An unincorporated community and census-designated place in Washington County, Colorado, United States.
- 4 An unincorporated community in Morgan County, Indiana, United States.
- 5 A town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States.
Example
"You have to cope with those difficult problems."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cope"?
Common synonyms include: address, air, apply, apply to, azure, battling.
How do you use "cope" in a sentence?
You have to cope with those difficult problems.
How do you pronounce "cope"?
Pronounced /ˈkoʊp/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Etymology tree Old French couperder. English cope From Middle English coupen, from Old French coper, couper (“to strike, to cut”). The noun use went mainstream around 2020.
Etymology 2
From Middle English cope, from Medieval Latin cāpa (“cape”) Doublet of cap, cape, and chape.
Etymology 3
From Middle English copen, borrowed from Middle Dutch copen. Cognate with Dutch kopen, German kaufen.
Etymology 4
Unknown