Definition
To deal successfully with a difficult situation or problem, even when it is hard.
Example
She coped well with the pressure at work.
Show translation
She dealt with the pressure at work successfully.
Etymology
From Middle French *coper* ("to strike, cut"), derived from Old French *colp* ("a blow"), from Medieval Latin *colpus*, from Latin *colaphus* ("a punch"), itself from Greek *κόλαφος (kolaphos)*. The sense shifted from "fighting back against blows" to "managing or handling" something difficult, settling into modern English by the 17th century.
Cultural note
In British English, "cope" is used slightly more freely than in American English — a British speaker might say "I can't cope!" as a dramatic but casual complaint, whereas Americans more often say "I can't handle it" or "I'm overwhelmed." The phrase "coping mechanism" is widely used in psychology and everyday conversation around mental health, making this word especially relevant in modern English.