Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cope Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💪
Add to dictionary

cope

[koÊŠp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

deal with

To cope means to deal effectively with something difficult. It involves managing or handling a challenging situation or task.

Synonyms

deal with, handle, manage.

Examples of usage

  • I had to cope with the stress of my final exams.
  • She copes well under pressure at work.
  • We all cope with challenges in different ways.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

In psychology, cope refers to the strategies or mechanisms individuals use to manage stress or difficult situations.

Synonyms

coping mechanisms, strategies.

Examples of usage

  • She developed healthy coping mechanisms to deal with her anxiety.
  • Counselors often teach clients how to cope with their emotions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Coping strategies are crucial in managing stress, with two main types: problem-focused and emotion-focused.
  • Positive coping mechanisms can enhance resilience, helping individuals bounce back from challenges.
  • Studies show that social support can significantly improve one's ability to cope with adversity.

Literature

  • The theme of coping appears frequently in literature, often highlighting characters' resilience in facing life's challenges.
  • In many classic novels, protagonists must cope with tragic events, leading to significant personal growth.
  • Poetry often explores inner thoughts related to coping, reflecting the emotional landscape of dealing with grief or loss.

Popular Culture

  • Coping mechanisms are a common topic in contemporary music, with many songs focusing on overcoming heartbreak and challenges.
  • Movies frequently depict characters learning to cope with loss, such as in dramas that engage with themes of grief and recovery.
  • Television shows often explore mental health issues, demonstrating how characters employ various coping strategies.

Science

  • Research in psychology has identified more than 400 coping strategies, ranging from avoidance to seeking social support.
  • The field of neuropsychology studies how the brain processes stress and how effective coping methods can alter emotional responses.
  • Coping with stress can have measurable impacts on physical health, influencing outcomes such as heart disease and immune function.

Origin of 'cope'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cope' comes from the Latin 'colpare', meaning to 'take upon oneself'.
  • In Middle English, it meant 'to come together' or 'to encounter'.
  • Related words include 'copped', meaning to deal with or obtain, showing a connection to handling situations.

The word 'cope' originated from the Old French word 'coper', meaning 'to strike'. It later evolved to mean 'to deal with' or 'to contend'. The modern usage of 'cope' in English dates back to the 16th century.

See also: coping.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,990 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.