Cooperate Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：work together (cooperate)

cooperate 🔊

/koʊˈɑːpəreɪt/

vi.

to work with others to achieve a common goal or purpose.

Group of people cooperating to build a community garden together

work together 🔊

➕

/wɜːrk təˈɡeðər/

vi.

To act or work jointly with others toward a shared objective, often requiring coordination and mutual support.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'co-' (together) + 'operari' (to work) + '-ate' (verb suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'co-op' supermarket: everyone works together to run it smoothly.

📖 Example

The volunteers had to cooperate to clean up the beach after the storm. 🔊 The volunteers had to cooperate to clean up the beach after the storm.

🔗 Collocations

cooperate with – to work together with someone or an organization

cooperate in – to take part jointly in an activity

cooperate on – to collaborate on a specific task or project

🔄 Synonyms

collaborate (vi.) – To work jointly on an activity, especially to produce or create something.

work together (phrase) – To combine efforts with others to achieve a common goal.

team up (phrase) – To join with another person or group to accomplish something.

🚫 Antonyms

compete (vi.) – To strive against others to gain something.

oppose (vt.) – To be against or resist something or someone.

hinder (vt.) – To create obstacles that slow down or prevent progress.

🌱 Derivatives

cooperation (n.) – The process of working together for a common purpose.

cooperative (adj.) – Involving or willing to work together with others.

cooperatively (adv.) – In a manner that shows willingness to work with others.

📖 Cultural Story

Originating from Latin 'cooperari', formed by 'com-' (together) and 'operari' (to work). It entered English in the 16th century, often used in business and community contexts to emphasize joint effort.