co-worker
UK[ˌkəʊ ˈwɜːkə]US[ˌkoʊ ˈwɜːrkər]
n
a person who works with another person; a colleague.
Morpheme Breakdown
co
worker
co
together
worker
one who works
Etymology
The word 'co-worker' is a modern English compound formed by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'co-' with the native English noun 'worker'. The prefix 'co-', a shortened form of the Latin 'com-' (meaning 'with' or 'together'), entered English via French and Latin, and is widely used to indicate joint action or association. The element 'worker' stems from the Old English 'weorc' (meaning 'deed' or 'action'), which has Proto-Germanic origins. The compound logically and transparently signifies 'one who works together with another', directly reflecting the collaborative nature of the relationship it describes.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + worker (one who works)
- co: A prefix of Latin origin (from 'com-'), meaning 'together', 'jointly', or 'with'. It functions as a combining form.
- worker: A noun of Old English origin, derived from the verb 'work' plus the agent noun suffix '-er', meaning 'one who performs an action'.
Examples
I often have lunch with my co-worker from the marketing department.
Good communication is essential between co-workers on a team project.
She asked her co-worker to cover her shift while she was away.