B2verb2K

Cope

UK /["/kəʊp/","/kəʊps/","/kəʊpt/","/ˈkəʊpɪŋ/"]/US /["/kəʊp/","/kəʊps/","/kəʊpt/","/ˈkəʊpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to deal successfully with something difficult

In simple words: To deal with something difficult or manage a problem.

Examples

  • She learned to cope with stress through meditation.
  • Many people struggle to cope after losing a loved one.
  • The team found it hard to cope with the fast pace of the game.
  • The company installed extra systems to cope with increased demand.
  • The bridge was designed to cope with heavy traffic loads.

Usage notes

Use 'cope' when discussing handling stress or difficult situations. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but can feel slightly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

cope + with + object

Memory hint

Think of 'cope' as 'rope' to help you hang on during tough times.

Collocations

  • admirably
  • effectively
  • well
  • be able
  • can
  • be unable to
  • with
  • somebody’s ability to cope
  • a way of coping

Synonyms

  • manage

Antonyms

  • struggle
  • succumb
  • fail

Common mistakes

  • Confusing it with 'coped' as past tense; remember to match the form to the context.
  • Using 'cope' without 'with' when mentioning a problem.
  • Mixing up with 'cooperate', which means to work together.