Meaning of Word
The word “cape” can have multiple meanings depending on the context. It can refer to a geographical feature, a type of clothing, or even an action.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Geographical Feature: A cape is a headland of large size extending into a body of water, generally forming a prominent point of land.
- Clothing: A cape is a sleeveless garment that drapes over the shoulders and is often worn for warmth, fashion, or as part of a costume.
- Verb: To “cape” can mean to form or shape into a cape, or it can refer to covering or cloaking something as a cape does.
History and Origin
- Geographical Cape: The term “cape” originates from the Middle French word cape, meaning a cloak or cape. It was later applied to a prominent point of land resembling the shape of a cape.
- Clothing Cape: The clothing term “cape” also stems from the French word cape, meaning a large, flowing garment.
- Verb Usage: The verb usage, “to cape,” dates back to the 17th century and originally described the act of covering or shaping with a garment like a cape.
Detailed Explanation
- Geographical Feature: A cape is usually a coastal landform that juts out into a body of water. It is often formed by the erosion of land and is characterized by dramatic cliffs or rocky terrain. Famous examples include the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA.
- Clothing: A cape is worn over the shoulders and neck. It can be part of a formal outfit (such as a cape coat) or used as a part of a costume (like a superhero cape). Capes have been worn throughout history, especially in medieval and Renaissance periods.
- Verb Meaning: When used as a verb, “to cape” typically refers to the act of cloaking or draping something in a manner similar to a cape, often used metaphorically in descriptions.
Example Sentences
- The sailors sailed around the Cape of Good Hope.
- She wore a beautiful red cape to the costume party.
- The cliff at the end of the bay is known as a cape, jutting out into the sea.
- The knight’s cape flowed gracefully as he rode into battle.
- The coastline is marked by several dramatic capes that face the open ocean.
- He pulled his cape around his shoulders to protect himself from the cold.
- The children were playing superheroes, each wearing a cape.
- The cape of the ship’s sails fluttered in the wind.
- The cape was designed with a hood to keep the rain out.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Headland: A point of land extending into the water, similar to a cape, but often smaller.
- Promontory: A high point of land that juts out into the sea, much like a cape but typically larger.
- Cloak: A piece of clothing similar to a cape, often worn for warmth or as a protective covering.
- Shawl: A piece of cloth worn around the shoulders, similar in function to a cape, but generally smaller.
- Mantle: An outer garment that covers the shoulders, often used interchangeably with cape in certain contexts.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Coastline: The land along the edge of the sea, which often contains capes.
- Bay: A body of water partially enclosed by land, where capes are often located.
- Peninsula: A landmass that is surrounded by water on three sides, sometimes featuring prominent capes.
- Cliff: A steep face of rock and earth, often found at the edge of a cape.
- Harbor: A sheltered body of water where ships dock, typically near capes.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Cape Cod: A hook-shaped peninsula in Massachusetts, known for its scenic capes.
- Cape Town: A port city in South Africa, located near the famous Cape of Good Hope.
- Superhero Cape: A fictional garment worn by superheroes, symbolizing power or mystery.
- Cape Verde: An archipelago off the coast of West Africa, named for a prominent cape.
- Cape Barren: A term referring to a barren or desolate cape, often in relation to the environment.
Antonyms
- Plain: A large, flat area of land, which contrasts with the elevated or protruding nature of a cape.
- Valley: A low area of land between hills or mountains, opposite in elevation to a cape.
- Flatland: An area of land that is level or not raised, unlike the elevated geography of a cape.
- Basin: A low, bowl-shaped area of land, the opposite of a cape’s high, pointed form.
- Cavity: A hollow or sunken area, the reverse of the protruding landform of a cape.
