collaborate
kuh-LAB-uh-rayt
/kəˈlæbəreɪt/
To work jointly on an activity or project.
Collaborate implies a shared effort, often involving mutual contribution, communication, and a common goal.
The story behind the word. The word 'collaborate' comes from the Latin `collaborare`, meaning 'to labor together.' It's formed from the prefix `com-` (an assimilated form of `con-`, meaning 'with' or 'together') and `laborare` ('to toil' or 'to work'). So, when you collaborate, you are literally 'working with' others, combining your efforts to achieve a shared outcome.
Word relationships
- cooperate: More general, implies working together but might not involve shared creation or direct joint effort on a single task.
- team up: More informal, often implies forming a temporary partnership.
- work together: A straightforward, general phrase.
- compete: To strive against others for a goal.
- work alone: To perform tasks individually.
- disagree: To have different opinions, hindering joint effort.
Word family
- collaboration (noun): the action of working with someone to produce or create something
- collaborative (adjective): produced or conducted by two or more parties working together
- collaborator (noun): a person who collaborates
Collocations
- collaborate with
- collaborate on a project
- collaborate effectively
- collaborate closely
Example sentences
- "To successfully launch the new product, the marketing, sales, and product development teams must `collaborate` closely." The two research teams decided to collaborate on the groundbreaking study.
- "We need to `collaborate` with our international partners to ensure a consistent global strategy." Artists often collaborate on creative projects.
Memory hook
To 'COLLABORATE' is to 'CO-LABOR' (work) with others. Co-labor
When not to use
Do not use 'collaborate' for simply working near someone or on separate tasks that happen to be part of the same project without direct interaction.
Fun facts
- The word 'collaborator' sometimes carries a negative connotation, especially when referring to someone who cooperates with an enemy force during wartime.
- Modern digital tools have greatly enhanced the ability of teams to collaborate remotely across different geographical locations.
Related words
Explore more words
collaboration, colleague, interdependent, integrate, synthesize, Interact
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