DictionarycopeManaging difficulty
verb

cope

KOHPP/kəʊp/

Manage a difficult situation successfully.

He copes with one arm in a cast by using an adapted bread board.

An older man with one arm immobilized in a cast and sling successfully prepares breakfast using his free hand and a simple adaptive bread board.
Etymology

From a verb meaning “hit” or “punch,” cope first meant quarrelling or engaging in combat. Dealing with an opponent developed into dealing successfully with a difficulty.

In context

Medical Centric Podcast0:24
understanding the causes recognizing the symptoms and knowing effective management strategies can help individuals cope with and prevent motion sickness
Motion Sickness Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

More examples

  • We coped better once we had a clear schedule.
  • She is coping with a demanding workload.
  • The old system could not cope with so many requests.

Forms

cope · copes · coped · coping

Similar words

manage
Broader and need not imply a difficult situation.
endure
Endure means withstand difficulty without necessarily managing it effectively.