Cooperate

/koʊˈɒpəreɪt/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To work jointly with others toward a common goal.

/koʊˈɒpəreɪt/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To work jointly toward the same end.

The students cooperated to complete the group project.

💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friend want to build a cool fort. If you each do a part and help each other, you're cooperating! It means working together to make something happen.

👶 For kids: Working together with someone or a group to do something.

More Examples

2

The two countries agreed to cooperate on environmental issues.

3

We need to cooperate if we want to achieve our goals.

How It's Used

Business

"The companies decided to cooperate on the new project."

Politics

"The two parties must cooperate to pass legislation."

Everyday Life

"Please cooperate with the police during the investigation."

Idioms & expressions

cooperate with someone

To work together with someone.

"The police asked the public to cooperate with them."

From Latin cooperari, from co- (together) + operari (to work). Appeared in English in the late 16th century.

Historically used in similar ways to today, with a focus on joint action and shared effort.

Memory tip

Imagine a group of 'co-operators' pulling a rope together – they're cooperating!

Word Origin

Root: cooperari

co-operatecooporatecooprate

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written