Coauthor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coauthor

[ˌkoʊˈɔːθər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

writing collaboration

A coauthor is a person who collaborates with one or more others to produce a written work, such as a book, article, or research paper. Coauthors may share responsibility for the content and are often credited together. Their contributions might involve writing, editing, or research.

Synonyms

co-writer, collaborator, joint author.

Examples of usage

  • The novel was co-authored by two famous writers.
  • She is a coauthor of several scientific papers.
  • They decided to coauthor a textbook on biology.
  • As coauthors, they both contributed unique perspectives.

Translations

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Origin of 'coauthor'

The term 'coauthor' is derived from the prefix 'co-' meaning 'together' or 'with', and 'author', which comes from the Latin word 'auctor', meaning 'creator' or 'father'. The word has evolved through its use in English literature to denote collaborative writing, especially prominent in the 20th century as collaborative projects became more common in various fields, including academia, journalism, and literature. The rise of coauthoring reflects a culture of teamwork and shared knowledge, becoming essential in a world where interdisciplinary approaches enhance the quality of work. It highlights the growing importance of collaboration in research and creativity.