Dope: meaning, definitions and examples

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dope

 

[ dəʊp ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

illegal drugs

Dope refers to illegal drugs, especially marijuana. It can also refer to any drug that has a narcotic effect.

Synonyms

drugs, narcotics, weed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dope

This word is often used in casual or slang contexts to refer to marijuana or drugs in general. It can also be used in a positive context to describe something or someone impressive or great.

  • He got caught with some dope in his bag.
  • That concert was dope!
narcotics

Primarily used in legal, medical, or formal contexts to describe drugs that are subject to government regulation, particularly those that are addictive and illegal.

  • The narcotics division of the police department made several arrests.
  • He was found in possession of narcotics.
drugs

Generally used in a formal or medical context to refer to substances that alter when taken into the body, often illegal ones. It's also used in discussions about addiction and health.

  • She was arrested for selling illegal drugs.
  • The doctor prescribed me some drugs for my illness.
weed

A casual or slang term specifically for marijuana, usually used in informal settings.

  • They were smoking weed in the park.
  • Do you know where I can buy some weed?

Examples of usage

  • He got caught with a bag of dope in his car.
  • The police are cracking down on the sale of dope in the neighborhood.
Context #2 | Adjective

cool or excellent

Dope can also be used informally to mean cool, excellent, or impressive.

Synonyms

awesome, cool, excellent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dope

Commonly used in casual settings among younger people to describe something or someone that they find very impressive or exceptional. Sometimes it can have a slightly rebellious or edgy connotation.

  • That concert last night was dope!
  • His new car is so dope.
cool

A versatile word used in many contexts to describe something that is good, fashionable, or socially admired. Can be used both casually and in a more neutral tone.

  • I think your outfit is really cool.
  • It's cool that you got the job.
excellent

Used in more formal settings or when you want to emphasize the high quality or superiority of something. Less casual than 'awesome' or 'cool'.

  • You did an excellent job on the report.
  • The service at the restaurant was excellent.
awesome

Used to express that something is extremely good or has a strong positive impact. Suitable for both casual and somewhat formal settings.

  • She did an awesome job on the presentation.
  • This vacation has been awesome so far!

Examples of usage

  • That new song is dope!
  • She has a dope sense of style.

Translations

Translations of the word "dope" in other languages:

🇵🇹 droga

🇮🇳 ड्रग

🇩🇪 Droge

🇮🇩 obat

🇺🇦 наркотик

🇵🇱 narkotyk

🇯🇵 ドラッグ

🇫🇷 drogue

🇪🇸 droga

🇹🇷 uyuşturucu

🇰🇷 마약

🇸🇦 مخدرات

🇨🇿 droga

🇸🇰 droga

🇨🇳 毒品

🇸🇮 droga

🇮🇸 eiturlyf

🇰🇿 есірткі

🇬🇪 ნარკოტიკი

🇦🇿 narkotik

🇲🇽 droga

Etymology

The word 'dope' originated in the 19th century as a term for a thick, viscous liquid or a drug. It later evolved to refer to drugs, especially narcotics. In the 20th century, 'dope' also took on the informal meaning of cool or excellent, likely influenced by African American vernacular. Today, 'dope' is commonly used in both contexts.

See also: dopehead.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,364, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.