cooperate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To work together with others toward a shared goal.

   The two companies agreed to cooperate on the new project.

2. 2
   verb

   To do what someone asks and be helpful instead of causing problems.

   The witness refused to cooperate with the police.

Simplified etymology

Cooperate was formed from Latin cooperari, combining co- “together” with operari “to work.” It entered English in the early 17th century, although the noun cooperation had appeared considerably earlier.

Originated 1595–1605 from Late Latin cooperātus, perfect passive participle of cooperor (“to work with”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more. Equivalent to co- + operate. Displaced native Old English efnwyrċan.

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External links

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