C1verb2K

Cooperate

UK /["/kəʊˈɒpəreɪt/","/kəʊˈɒpəreɪts/","/kəʊˈɒpəreɪtɪd/","/kəʊˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/kəʊˈɑːpəreɪt/","/kəʊˈɑːpəreɪts/","/kəʊˈɑːpəreɪtɪd/","/kəʊˈɑːpəreɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to work together with somebody else in order to achieve something

In simple words: To work together with someone for a common purpose.

Examples

  • The two groups agreed to cooperate with each other.
  • They had cooperated closely in the planning of the project.
  • The two companies are cooperating in the development of a new engine.
  • We are cooperating on a research project.
  • Their captors told them they would be killed unless they cooperated.
  • The company has agreed to cooperate with the employment survey.

Usage notes

Use 'cooperate' in contexts involving teamwork and collaboration. It's appropriate in both professional and casual settings, but avoid in overly informal conversations. Best used when discussing joint efforts in projects or activities.

Grammar pattern

cooperate + with + object

Memory hint

Think of 'cooperate' as 'co-op-erate' — imagine people in a co-op working together.

Collocations

  • fully
  • closely
  • will
  • would
  • agree to
  • in
  • on
  • with
  • fully
  • closely
  • will
  • would
  • agree to
  • in
  • on
  • with

Synonyms

  • collaborate
  • assist
  • work together
  • partner
  • join forces

Antonyms

  • oppose
  • disagree
  • compete

Common mistakes

  • 'Cooperate' is often confused with 'collaborate', which has a slightly different nuance.
  • Learners sometimes forget to use 'with' when mentioning the other party.
  • Using 'cooperate' as a standalone verb without a context can be incorrect.