What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cope
Example
She learned to cope with her fear of public speaking by practicing in front of friends. [cope: verb]
Example
Coping with the loss of a loved one can be a long and challenging process. [coping: gerund or present participle]
overcome
Example
She overcame her fear of heights by gradually exposing herself to higher altitudes. [overcome: verb]
Example
The team overcame a 20-point deficit to win the championship. [overcoming: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cope is more commonly used than overcome in everyday language. Cope is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while overcome is more specific and often associated with more intense or dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cope and overcome?
Both cope and overcome are versatile words that can be used in various formality levels, allowing them to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
