co-pilot
UK[ˈkəʊ ˌpaɪlət]US[ˈkoʊ ˌpaɪlət]
n
a second pilot in an aircraft who assists the chief pilot
Morpheme Breakdown
co
pilot
co
together
pilot
aviator
Etymology
The word 'co-pilot' is a modern compound formed in English. The prefix 'co-', derived from the Latin preposition 'cum' (with), was attached to the existing noun 'pilot'. A pilot, whose own history traces back to terms for a ship's steersman in Greek and Romance languages, is one who guides a vessel. Therefore, the literal construction 'co-pilot' logically means "one who pilots together with another." This term emerged with the development of multi-crew aircraft, where a secondary, fully qualified pilot shares the duties and responsibilities of flying with the captain or commander.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + pilot (aviator)
co-: from Latin 'com-', meaning 'together, with'. A prefix indicating joint action or partnership.
pilot: from French 'pilote', from Italian 'pilota', likely from Medieval Greek 'pēdōtēs' (steersman). The noun refers to a person who operates the controls of an aircraft.
Examples
The experienced co-pilot smoothly handled the communication with air traffic control.
During the long-haul flight, the captain and co-pilot took turns resting.
Her dream was to become a co-pilot for a major international airline.