collaborate
UK[kəˈlæbəreɪt]US[kəˈlæbəreɪt]
v
To work together with another person or group in order to achieve or do something.
v
To help an enemy who has taken control of your country.
Morpheme Breakdown
col
labor
ate
col
together
labor
work
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'collaborate' is a direct borrowing from the past participle stem of the Latin verb 'collaborare', meaning "to work together". This Latin term is itself a compound of the prefix 'com-' (together) and the verb 'laborare' (to work, toil). The core concept of joint effort or shared labor has remained remarkably consistent from its ancient roots to its modern usage. While its primary meaning is neutral or positive, its secondary, negative sense of cooperating with an enemy force emerged in the mid-20th century, specifically during World War II.
Analysis
Structure: col (together) + labor (work) + ate (verb suffix)
- col: A Latin prefix meaning "together" or "with". It is an assimilated form of 'com-' used before roots beginning with 'l'.
- labor: A Latin root meaning "to work", "toil", or "exertion". It is a direct substring from the Latin verb 'laborare'.
- ate: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin, used to create verbs meaning "to act in a specified manner".
Examples
The two companies agreed to collaborate on developing the new software.
Scientists from around the world collaborate on climate research.
He was accused of collaborating with the occupying forces.