cover
cover
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "cover" is /ˈkʌvər/.
cov-: /kʌv/
-er: /ər/
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: cover
Plural: covers
Verb:
Base form: cover
Third-person singular present: covers
Present participle: covering
Past tense: covered
Past participle: covered
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A physical object or material placed over something to protect, conceal, or enclose it.
Synonyms: lid, top, wrapping, sheath, casing
Antonyms: exposure, opening, baring
Definition 2: A blanket, quilt, or other bedding used for warmth.
Synonyms: blanket, quilt, comforter, duvet
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms for this specific use, as it refers to a type of bedding)
Definition 3: The outer part of a book, magazine, or other publication.
Synonyms: binding, jacket, casing, front
Antonyms: interior, contents
Definition 4: An amount of money charged at an establishment, such as a restaurant or nightclub, often for entertainment or entry.
Synonyms: charge, fee, admission, entry fee
Antonyms: discount, free entry
Definition 5: A protective position or place, offering shelter from attack or danger.
Synonyms: shelter, refuge, concealment, protection
Antonyms: exposure, vulnerability, open
Verb
Definition 1: To place something over or upon something else so as to protect, conceal, or enclose it.
Synonyms: conceal, shield, protect, cloak, wrap, envelop
Antonyms: expose, uncover, reveal, unwrap, bare
Definition 2: To extend over an area; to form a layer on the surface of something.
Synonyms: spread, coat, blanket, overlie, overlay
Antonyms: recede, shrink, dissipate
Definition 3: To deal with or include a particular subject or problem.
Synonyms: address, encompass, include, comprise, involve, discuss
Antonyms: omit, exclude, ignore, overlook
Definition 4: To travel a certain distance.
Synonyms: traverse, cross, span, range, pass over
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; implies movement, so 'remain stationary' could be a conceptual opposite)
Definition 5: To provide enough money for something; to be sufficient for a particular cost.
Synonyms: suffice, pay for, provide for, meet (costs)
Antonyms: lack, fall short, be insufficient
Definition 6: To report on an event or topic for a newspaper, television, or radio.
Synonyms: report, broadcast, document, record, detail
Antonyms: suppress, censor, ignore (in the context of reporting)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He pulled the old quilt up to his chin, finding comfort in its familiar weight, and burrowed deeper under the cover." (From The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd)
The novel's striking cover art, depicting a lone figure against a desolate landscape, perfectly encapsulated its somber themes.
"When the detective finally covered all the angles of the complex case, he realized the initial suspect was innocent." (From The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith)
Newspapers:
"Heavy snow is expected to cover the entire region by morning, causing significant travel disruptions," reported The New York Times in December 2023.
The Guardian published an exposé in February 2024 detailing how the company attempted to cover up its environmental malpractice.
The local newspaper's Sunday edition featured a full-page cover story on the opening of the new community center.
Online Publications:
An article on National Geographic's website (January 2024) discussed how rising sea levels threaten to cover coastal towns.
"The tech giant announced its latest earnings, reporting that revenue growth was enough to cover the increased operating costs," according to a Forbes article from March 2024.
A popular fashion blog showcased the latest trends in magazine cover design, highlighting minimalist aesthetics.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Music: Beyoncé's powerful vocal performance on her cover of "I Will Always Love You" at the Grammys in February 2024 captivated audiences.
Film/Television: In the movie The Bourne Identity (2002), Jason Bourne seeks to uncover his past, which has been completely covered by amnesia and government secrets.
Video Games: Players in the tactical shooter Rainbow Six Siege (released December 2015) constantly communicate about where to find effective cover during firefights.
Podcasts: A true-crime podcast from April 2024 thoroughly investigated the historical cold case, vowing to cover every detail.
General Public Discourse:
"Make sure you put a cover on the pot to help the water boil faster." (Common household instruction)
"Can you cover for me at the meeting tomorrow? I have a dentist appointment." (Request for a colleague to take over duties)
"The insurance policy should cover any damage to your car in an accident." (Discussion about insurance terms)
"We need to find some cover before the storm hits, perhaps under that overhang." (Seeking shelter outdoors)
10 Quotes Using Cover
"Don't cover up your mistakes; make them your own and learn from them." (Unknown)
"The best way to keep a secret is to pretend there isn't one to cover." (Attributed to Edward Snowden)
"No one is more dangerous than he who would cover his own wounds with the blood of others." (Napoleon Bonaparte)
"They cover me with their wings, and I am safe." (Psalm 91:4, Bible)
"A lie always needs a cover, and truth needs none." (Russian proverb)
"We tried to cover up our failures, but they kept peeking out." (Original)
"You can't just throw money at a problem and expect it to cover everything." (Original)
"Let a man cover his own house with his own roof, and not by the roof of his neighbor." (Baltasar Gracián)
"The media's role is to cover the news, not to create it." (Original)
"The snow began to cover the ground, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland." (Original)
Etymology
The word "cover" has a long history, tracing its roots back to Latin. It comes from the Latin word "cooperire," which literally means "to cover completely." This Latin word was formed by combining "co-," an intensive prefix (meaning "completely" or "together"), and "operire," which meant "to close" or "to cover."
This Latin word then made its way into Old French as "covrir" or "couvrir," and from there, it was borrowed into Middle English around the 13th century.
The very first known use of "cover" in English, dating back to before 1275, was used as a verb with the meaning of "to protect or defend from harm." So, right from the start, the core idea of putting something over or around another thing for safety or concealment was present. Over time, the word expanded to include all the other meanings we know today, like putting a lid on something, spreading over a surface, or even hiding a secret.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Cover
Cover your tracks: To hide or conceal evidence of one's actions, especially misdeeds.
Under cover of darkness: Hidden or concealed by the night.
Cover all your bases: To prepare for all possibilities; to address every aspect of a situation.
Cover ground: To travel a certain distance or to deal with a lot of material/topics.
Cover for someone: To perform someone else's duties, or to provide an alibi or excuse for them.
Take cover: To seek shelter or protection from danger.
Cover charge: A fee collected at the entrance of a venue, especially for entertainment.
From cover to cover: Reading an entire book or document from beginning to end.
Cover story: The main feature article in a magazine or newspaper, often highlighted on the front.
Safety in numbers (supplemental idiom using a similar concept): The idea that being part of a large group provides protection.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of cover from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
