The word synergy is a modern formation derived from the ancient Greek synergos, meaning "working together". This compound word itself is built from syn- (together) and ergon (work, action). It entered English in the mid-17th century via New Latin synergia, initially used in theological contexts to describe the cooperation between human will and divine grace. The contemporary business and scientific sense, emphasizing a combined effect greater than the sum of individual parts, developed in the 20th century, directly preserving the original Greek concept of cooperative action.

Structure: syn (together) + ergy (work) syn: from Greek, meaning "together, with". ergy: from Greek ergon, meaning "work".