IPA: /koʊp/
KK: /koʊp/
A type of long garment worn by clergy, often used in religious ceremonies, that resembles a cloak or mantle.
The priest wore a beautiful cope during the ceremony.
To deal effectively with something difficult or challenging.
She had to cope with the stress of her new job.
Past: coped
Past Participle: coped
The word 'cope' originates from the Old French 'coper' (meaning to strike or cut), which in turn comes from the Latin 'cupa' (meaning tub or cask). The word 'cope' has evolved to mean dealing effectively with something, as if managing or handling a situation like one would manage a container.
Think of 'coper' meaning to 'strike' or 'cut' — this helps you remember that to cope means to handle or manage a situation effectively.