cover vs mate

cover and mate both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
cover	Yes	No	Yes	No
mate	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, mate is a hypernym of cover; that is, mate is a word with a broader meaning than cover:

Other hypernyms of cover include copulate, couple, pair.

cover (noun)	mate (noun)
the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it	a chess move constituting an inescapable and indefensible attack on the opponent's king
fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on your own individuals or formations	an exact duplicate
a false identity and background (especially one created for an undercover agent)	South American tea-like drink made from leaves of a South American holly called mate
a recording of a song that was first recorded or made popular by somebody else	a person's partner in marriage
bedding that keeps a person warm in bed	the partner of an animal (especially a sexual partner)
a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something	the officer below the master on a commercial ship
covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container)	informal term for a friend of the same sex
the protective covering on the front, back, and spine of a book	a fellow member of a team
a natural object that covers or envelops	South American holly; leaves used in making a drink like tea
a fixed charge by a restaurant or nightclub over and above the charge for food and drink	one of a pair

cover (verb)	mate (verb)
sit on (eggs)	place an opponent's king under an attack from which it cannot escape and thus ending the game
clothe, as if for protection from the elements	engage in sexual intercourse
protect by insurance	bring two objects, ideas, or people together
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
be responsible for reporting the details of, as in journalism
maintain a check on; especially by patrolling
protect or defend (a position in a game)
hold within range of an aimed firearm
play a higher card than the one previously played
be responsible for guarding an opponent in a game
provide with a covering or cause to be covered
form a cover over
copulate with a female, used especially of horses
cover as if with a shroud
put something on top of something else
travel across or pass over
hide from view or knowledge
spread over a surface to conceal or protect
be sufficient to meet, defray, or offset the charge or cost of
to take an action to protect against future problems
invest with a large or excessive amount of something
help out by taking someone's place and temporarily assuming his responsibilities
provide for
span an interval of distance, space or time
include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
make up for shortcomings or a feeling of inferiority by exaggerating good qualities