Cloak Vs. Cape: Main Differences, How To Tell Them Apart?

Apart from their superpowers, what do superheroes have in common? The simplest answer to this question is that most of them have a uniform, which features a cloak or cape. But can you tell between a cloak vs. cape?

Cloaks and capes are often compared because they are both outer garments made with one piece of drapery. Also, people use them interchangeably. However, cloaks and capes differ in size. A cloak typically cascades below the knee, while a cape reaches the waist or before the knee.

According to most people, a cloak is the same as a cape. However, this is not entirely true. There are differences between these outer garments, which this post will cover. We will also look at both words in detail, especially definitions and usage.

Definitions Of Cloak And Cape

Most people visualize the garments when the words cloak and cape come up. However, very few people can define these words, which is why many think they are the same. Below are distinct definitions of each word.

Definition Of Cloak

A cloak is a long, loose outer garment worn over the shoulders and covers the wearer’s chest, torso, arms, and back. The garment is usually made with heavy fabric, like wool, to provide the wearer warmth and ample protection from weather elements. It also features a hood for the same purpose.

Did you know that this word has a non-garment-related meaning? These secondary definitions of cloak will apply in various instances. Below are the word’s secondary definitions.

• As a noun, a cloak refers to something that covers or conceals. (Example: The mist cloaks the mountains perfectly from this angle.)
• As a verb, cloak means “to hide or disguise something with a cloak or something else that acts like a cloak.” (Example: Use the cloak to prevent your peers from recognizing your project before the presentation.)
• In Information Technology, a cloak is an auxiliary for an IRC user’s hostname or IP address. The purpose of a cloak is to make a user less recognizable. (Example: The cloak rendered the IT expert invisible so he could discover the source of the issue in the company’s futuristic technology.)

Definition Of Cape

A cape is a sleeveless outer garment fastened at the throat, often worn hanging over the shoulders. 

Like the word cloak, cape also has a few secondary definitions. For instance, In Geography, a cape is a piece of land extending beyond an adjacent coast into a water body, like a sea or lake (a headland). (Example: We visited the cape in Western Europe during our trip.)

Keenly look at these other meanings and learn a few things.

• A cape is a brightly colored cloth worn in bullfighting (a capote or moleta). (Example: The cape played a significant role in his success as a bullfighter.)
• As a verb, cape means “to maneuver the bull in bullfighting using a cape.
• To cape means “to head to a secure course” or “to skin a deer.” (Example: It is hard to cape an old deer.)

How To Properly Use Cloak Vs. Cape In A Sentence

Using a word is easy once you know its definition. Below are explanations for the use of the words “cloak” and “cape”;

How And When To Use Cloak

As a garment, the word cloak is a noun. However, it is also a verb. Therefore, use it to describe an action. You can use this word in the contexts below.

• Referring to a long sleeveless outdoor garment that hangs loosely on a wearer’s shoulder
• Describing something that hides or disguises something else
• A full-length cover with an opening for the face and arms
• Referring to the act of surrounding or enveloping something
• To cover something with a layer
• To give a false or misleading account of the nature of something

Other word forms of the cloak you can use are “cloaks,” which is the plural, cloaked, which is the past tense of cloak, and cloaks as the third-person singular simple present indicative form of the word. Cloaking is the present participle and cloaked in the past participle.

How And When To Use Cape

The word “cape” has various definitions as a verb and noun, which determines how you use the word. Also, you can apply it when referring to a headland in Geography or describing an outer garment extending up to the waist or above the knees.

You can also embrace the following word forms;

• Capes, the plural
• Caped, the past tense, and past participle
• Caping, the present participle

Cloak vs. Cape: Main Differences

Like a cape, a cloak will keep your top half warmer or dry. Therefore, both garments will easily feature in the same category. However, there are specific differences between a cloak and a cape. Some of the main ones are;

Size

The primary difference between a cloak and a cape is that the former is larger than the latter. A cloak is usually full or calf-length. On the other hand, a cape drapes to the waist of the mid-thigh region.

Function

Another primary difference between a cloak and cape is that each has a different function for which it is best suited. For instance, a cloak is best suited for covering the entire body, while a cape is ideal for protecting the body partially. Also, a cloak is mainly a protective garment against inclement weather, while a cape is a mere fashion accessory.

Designs

A cloak consists of a fastener tie, clasp, or buttons at the neck. It also has a fully functional hood to shield the wearer from climatic elements. A cape is designed as a fashion accessory. Therefore, it does not have standard construction elements. Instead, the designs differ depending on the designer and function.

NB: Also, note that a cape also refers to a geographical feature, while another meaning for a cloak is to conceal something.

Examples Of Cloak And Cape Use In Sentences

Forming sentences should be easy now that you know the definitions of cloak and cape. Here are examples of sentences representing the various meanings of these two words.

Example Sentences of Cloak

1. Jenifer Aniston uses a cloak to keep people from recognizing her when she is out in public.
2. The former president was known for his cloak of secrecy.
3. My favorite Jedi in Star Wars wears the green cloak with the thunder symbol.
4. The night hid Simon’s body language with its cloak of darkness when his family questioned him about being outside at such an hour.
5. Before entering the enemy’s territory, the soldiers used the darkness as a cloak for their ship.

Example Sentences of Cape

1. In recent years, the cape has become a stylish fashion accessory.
2. James used the cape technique to obtain his championship trophy in bullfighting.
3. The piece of land North of Massachusetts is the perfect example of a cape.
4. Traditionally, hunters would cape their bounty before transporting them to their homes.
5. According to the captain, the ship will cape Southwest upon leaving the Norther harbor.

Conclusion

The words “cloak” and “cape” are often compared because they both refer to an outer garment worn over the shoulders and fastened at the neck for protection or as a fashion accessory. However, there is more to these words than this.

For instance, a cape is a geographical feature or a maneuvering technique in bullfighting. On the other hand, to cloak is to “hide or disguise something with something else.” Also, a cloak and a cape are similar garments but not the same. After reading about cloak vs. cape, let us know if the differences between these words are clear.