cooperate
gb/koʊˈɑpɚˌeɪt/ us/koʊˈɑpɚˌeɪt/
B1
English
~ 4100
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Work together for a common goal
To work with other people to reach the same goal.
Usage pattern:
to cooperate with [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'cooperate' with 'collaborate'. While both mean working together, 'collaborate' often implies a more active, creative, or equal partnership, whereas 'cooperate' can be any form of helping or complying for a shared goal.
Synonyms
collaborate (Often used for working together on creative or professional projects; 'cooperate' is broader and can include any joint effort.)
Antonyms
oppose (To act against or resist someone instead of working with them.)
Collocations
cooperate fully
|cooperate closely
|cooperate with authorities
|refuse to cooperate
|agree to cooperate
Themes
work
|relationships
|teamwork
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The two companies agreed to cooperate on developing new technology.
- She refused to cooperate with the police investigation.
- Different departments must cooperate to complete the project on time.
- Countries need to cooperate to address climate change.
- He is willing to cooperate if his demands are met.
Learner examples
- I will cooperate with my classmates.
- They cooperate to clean the park.
- We must cooperate to win the game.
- The teacher asked us to cooperate in the project.
- He did not want to cooperate with the group.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cooperate
IPA
GB/koʊˈɑpɚˌeɪt/
US/koʊˈɑpɚˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
co - oper - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (oper)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: cooperate
- 3rd Person Singular: cooperates
- Present Participle: cooperating
- Past: cooperated
Word family
Forms
cooperates
verb
cooperating
verb
cooperated
verb
Core family
cooperation
noun B1
cooperative
adjective B1
Related words
cooperatively
adverb
cooperator
noun
Negative and opposite forms
uncooperative
adjective
Expressions
cooperate with
1/koʊˈɑpɚˌeɪt wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
Work together with someone
To work together with a person or group.
Examples
- The witness agreed to cooperate with the police.
- We will cooperate with local businesses to improve the area.
fully cooperate
1/fˈʊli koʊˈɑpɚˌeɪt/
fixed phrase
Work together completely
To work together in every way without holding back.
Examples
- He promised to fully cooperate with the investigation.
- The company will fully cooperate with regulators.
refuse to cooperate
1/ɹɪfjˈuz tə koʊˈɑpɚˌeɪt/
fixed phrase
Not agree to work together
To say no or not agree to work with others.
Examples
- The suspect refused to cooperate with the authorities.
- She refused to cooperate until her lawyer arrived.