collaborate
To work jointly with others on a shared goal or project.
Examples
In a meeting
“Engineering and design need to collaborate more closely on this feature.”
Over coffee
“We collaborated on the playlist for the road trip.”
Why this word
cooperate
Collaborate implies actively working together toward a shared goal with combined effort, while cooperate just means working compatibly without conflict
work together
Collaborate emphasizes joint intellectual or creative contribution, while work together is more general and can be merely parallel effort
partner
Collaborate specifically describes the act of working jointly, while partner describes the relationship status and is less specific about the activity
Usage tip
Implies active, mutual contribution — not just being in the same room. Stronger than 'cooperate'.
Etymology
Latin collaborare — col/com (together) + laborare (to work)
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Related words
facilitate
To make a process or action easier or help it happen.
brainstorm
To generate creative ideas through group discussion
consult
To seek advice or information from someone
unilateral
Done by one person or group without input from others
workshop
To collaboratively develop or refine an idea through discussion
confer
To discuss something with others before making a decision