cover

/'kʌvə/

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The word "cover" is a versatile English word that can function as both a noun and a verb. Here’s a simple explanation for new English learners:

Basic Definition:

Cover (noun): Something that lies on top of or protects something else. It can also mean a false identity or background, a version of a song, or a protective layer.

Usage Instructions:

• When using "cover" as a noun, think about what is protecting or hiding something else.
• When using "cover" as a verb, consider actions like putting something over another or protecting it.

Examples:

1. Noun: "Please put the cover back on the pot to keep the food warm."
2. Noun (false identity): "The spy used a different name as a cover during his mission."
3. Noun (music): "They made a cover of a famous song by The Beatles."
4. Verb: "She decided to cover the cake with chocolate icing."

Advanced Usage:

1. Concealment: "Under cover of darkness, they moved quietly through the forest."
2. Protection: "The insurance policy will cover damage to your home."
3. Responsibility: "I will cover for you while you're on vacation, so don’t worry about your work."

Word Variants:

• Covering (noun): A layer that hides or protects something.
• Covered (adjective): Something that has a cover or is concealed.

Different Meanings:

1. Cover (noun):

   • A protective layer (e.g., a blanket).
   • A false identity (e.g., a spy's alias).
   • A version of a song performed by someone other than the original artist.

2. Cover (verb):

   • To place something over something else.
   • To protect against financial loss (e.g., insurance).
   • To be responsible for someone else's duties temporarily.

Synonyms:

• As a noun: lid, shelter, disguise, protection
• As a verb: conceal, protect, hide, overlay

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Cover up": To hide or conceal something, often used in a negative context (e.g., covering up a mistake).
• "Cover for someone": To take someone else's place or responsibilities temporarily (e.g., "I’m covering for my coworker who is sick.").

Summary:

"Cover" is a useful word that can describe many situations where something is hidden or protected.

Academic

Noun

1. a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)
   • her new name and passport are cover for her next assignment
2. a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else
   • they made a cover of a Beatles' song
3. a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink
4. fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations
   • artillery provided covering fire for the withdrawal
5. covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container)
   • he removed the top of the carton
   • he couldn't get the top off of the bottle
   • put the cover back on the kettle
6. a natural object that covers or envelops
   • under a covering of dust
   • the fox was flushed from its cover
7. the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book
   • the book had a leather binding
8. the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it
   • the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft
9. bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
   • he pulled the covers over his head and went to sleep
10. a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something
    • a screen of trees afforded privacy
    • under cover of darkness
    • the brush provided a covert for game
    • the simplest concealment is to match perfectly the color of the background

Verb

1. clothe, as if for protection from the elements
   • cover your head!
2. sit on (eggs)
   • Birds brood
   • The female covers the eggs
3. be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game
4. play a higher card than the one previously played
   • Smith covered again
5. put something on top of something else
   • cover the meat with a lot of gravy
6. copulate with a female, used especially of horses
   • The horse covers the mare
7. cover as if with a shroud
   • The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery
8. spread over a surface to conceal or protect
   • This paint covers well
9. be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of
   • Is this enough to cover the check?
10. help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
    • She is covering for our secretary who is ill this week
11. invest with a large or excessive amount of something
    • She covered herself with glory
12. make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities
    • he is compensating for being a bad father
13. protect by insurance
    • The insurance won't cover this
14. maintain a check on; especially by patrolling
    • The second officer covered the top floor
15. protect or defend (a position in a game)
    • he covered left field
16. hide from view or knowledge
    • The President covered the fact that he bugged the offices in the White House
17. to take an action to protect against future problems
    • Count the cash in the drawer twice just to cover yourself
18. hold within range of an aimed firearm
19. be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism
    • Snow reported on China in the 1950's
    • The cub reporter covered New York City
20. travel across or pass over
    • The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day
21. include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
    • This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds
    • this should cover everyone in the group
22. act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
    • This book deals with incest
    • The course covered all of Western Civilization
    • The new book treats the history of China
23. provide for
    • The grant doesn't cover my salary
24. span an interval of distance, space or time
    • The war extended over five years
    • The period covered the turn of the century
    • My land extends over the hills on the horizon
    • This farm covers some 200 acres
    • The Archipelago continues for another 500 miles
25. form a cover over
    • The grass covered the grave
26. provide with a covering or cause to be covered
    • cover her face with a handkerchief
    • cover the child with a blanket
    • cover the grave with flowers

Synonyms

• cover version
• cover song
• cover charge
• covering fire
• top
• covering
• natural covering
• binding
• book binding
• back
• screening
• masking
• blanket
• screen
• covert
• concealment
• wrap up
• brood
• hatch
• incubate
• overlay
• breed
• shroud
• enshroud
• hide
• compensate
• overcompensate