cooperate
UK[kəʊˈɒpəreɪt]US[koʊˈɑːpəreɪt]
v
to work together with another person or group in order to achieve something
v
to be helpful by doing what someone asks you to do
Morpheme Breakdown
co
operate
co
together
operate
work
Etymology
the word cooperate is a modern english formation built from classical latin components. it combines the prefix 'co-', a variant of 'com-' meaning "together", with the verb 'operari', meaning "to work, toil, or be active". this literal combination, "to work together", entered english in the late 16th century, initially used in theological contexts about divine and human collaboration. the semantic logic is transparent and has remained stable: the core concept of joint effort or combined action to produce a result evolved directly from the sum of its parts, with no significant abstraction. the word exemplifies a clear, compositional etymology where the modern meaning is a direct continuation of the original morphemic intent.
Analysis
Structure: co (together) + operate (work)
co- is a prefix of latin origin meaning "together, with". operate is a verb of latin origin meaning "to work, to be active".
Examples
the two companies agreed to cooperate on the new research project.
the witness refused to cooperate with the police investigation.
we need everyone to cooperate if we want to finish on time.