co-operate

The two students co-operate to build a tall tower out of colorful wooden blocks.

Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To work together with others towards a common goal or purpose: "co-operate" means to act jointly or collaborate with one or more individuals to achieve a shared objective.
   • To be helpful or compliant: "co-operate" can also mean to willingly assist or follow instructions, especially in a social or professional context.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The two companies decided to co-operate on the research project. (They worked together to achieve a common scientific aim.)
  • If you co-operate with the police, the investigation will go more smoothly. (If you assist and comply, the process will be easier.)
  • The children refused to co-operate during the group activity. (They would not work together or follow directions.)

Advanced Usage

• "to co-operate fully": to offer complete assistance or collaboration without reservation.

  • The witness agreed to co-operate fully with the authorities. (The witness provided all necessary help and information.)

• "to co-operate on something": to jointly work on a specific task or project.

  • They co-operated on the design of the new bridge. (They collaborated in the planning and creation of the bridge.)

Variants and Related Words

• Co-operation (noun): the act or process of working together.

  • The success of the mission depended on the co-operation of all team members. (The mission succeeded because everyone worked together.)

• Co-operative (adjective): involving or characterized by joint effort or mutual assistance.

  • The co-operative effort led to a faster completion of the project. (The shared work made the project finish more quickly.)

• Co-operator (noun): a person who co-operates.

  • She was a reliable co-operator in the charity drive. (She was a dependable person who worked well with others.)

Synonyms

• Collaborate: to work jointly with others, especially in an intellectual or artistic endeavor.
• Assist: to give help or support.
• Coordinate: to organize the activities of two or more parties to work together effectively.

Phrasal Verbs

• Co-operate with: to work alongside someone.

  • We need to co-operate with the local community to solve the problem. (We must work together with the community.)

• Co-operate on: to engage in a joint project.

  • The scientists co-operated on the climate change study. (The scientists collaborated on the research.)

Related Idioms

• Play ball: to co-operate or agree to participate.

  • If the government plays ball, the new policy will be implemented soon. (If the government co-operates, the policy will take effect.)

• In cahoots with: to be co-operating secretly or dishonestly with someone.

  • The two thieves were in cahoots with each other. (They were co-operating in a secret, illegal plan.)