mate vs cover

mate and cover both are nouns.

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

As verbs, cover is a hyponym of mate; that is, cover is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than mate:

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

mate (verb)	cover (verb)
place an opponent's king under an attack from which it cannot escape and thus ending the game	sit on (eggs)
engage in sexual intercourse	clothe, as if for protection from the elements
bring two objects, ideas, or people together	protect by insurance
	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