Cooperation - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

Cooperation is the act of working together towards a common goal. It involves sharing resources, skills, and effort to achieve something that individuals couldn't accomplish alone. Think of a sports team working together to win a game, or classmates collaborating on a project. Cooperation requires communication, trust, and a willingness to compromise. It's the opposite of competition in some ways, though competition can also promote cooperation. Without cooperation, many large-scale projects would be impossible.

Etymology

The word 'cooperation' comes from the Latin 'cooperari,' meaning 'to work together.' This is formed from 'co-' (together) and 'operari' (to work), which itself comes from 'opus' (work). The word has retained its core meaning throughout its history, emphasizing the idea of collective effort.

Related Words

Examples

• "The success of the project depended on the cooperation of all team members."
• "International cooperation is essential to address climate change."
• "The students showed great cooperation while cleaning up the classroom."
• "The police are seeking the public's cooperation in solving the crime."

Encouragement

Look for opportunities to cooperate with others, whether it's in school, at home, or in your community. You'll be surprised at what you can achieve together. Plus, it's often more fun! 🎉

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