What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fend
Example
She had to fend off the attacker with a stick. [fend: verb]
Example
He learned to fend for himself after his parents passed away. [fend: phrasal verb]
cope
Example
She struggled to cope with the loss of her job. [cope: verb]
Example
He found ways to cope with his anxiety through exercise and meditation. [cope: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cope is more commonly used than fend in everyday language. Cope is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fend is less common and refers to a more limited context of physical protection.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fend and cope?
Both fend and cope can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but cope is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
