Collaborator: meaning, definitions and examples
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collaborator
[ kəˈlabəˌreɪtər ]
work
A person who works jointly on an activity or project.
Synonyms
associate, colleague, partner.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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collaborator |
Used when referring to someone you work with on specific projects or tasks, often implying a more temporary or project-based relationship.
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partner |
Can imply a closer, long-term, or more formal working relationship, often in a business or professional context. Could also refer to someone who shares ownership or significant stake in a business.
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associate |
Typically used in a professional or business setting, referring to someone you work with, possibly in a subordinate role, or someone who is part of the same organization.
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colleague |
General term for someone you work with, usually in the same organization or profession. Often implies a more equal standing.
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Examples of usage
- He is a key collaborator on the research project.
- The team of collaborators worked together to achieve success.
crime
A person who cooperates traitorously with an enemy.
Synonyms
double agent, informant, traitor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
collaborator |
This can be used to describe someone working together with another person or group on a project or goal. It's often a neutral term.
|
traitor |
This word describes someone who betrays their country, friends, or cause. It has a strong negative connotation.
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informant |
Typically refers to someone who provides information, often secretly, to authorities or organizations. It can carry a slightly negative connotation.
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double agent |
This term is used in espionage to describe someone who pretends to spy for one side while actually spying for another. It's generally negative.
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Examples of usage
- The spy was identified as a collaborator with the enemy forces.
- She was accused of being a collaborator and sentenced accordingly.
work
To work jointly on an activity or project.
Synonyms
cooperate, team up, work together.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
collaborator |
Typically used in professional or academic settings to describe someone who works jointly on an activity or project.
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cooperate |
Used to describe the act of working together towards a common goal, often implies a willingness to help each other.
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work together |
A general term that can be used in both professional and casual settings to describe collaborating on any task or activity.
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team up |
Often used in more casual or informal settings to describe partnering with someone for a specific task or purpose.
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Examples of usage
- The two companies decided to collaborate on a new product line.
- We should collaborate more effectively to reach our goals.
Translations
Translations of the word "collaborator" in other languages:
🇵🇹 colaborador
🇮🇳 सहयोगी
🇩🇪 Mitarbeiter
- Mitarbeiterin
- Kollaborateur
🇮🇩 kolaborator
🇺🇦 співробітник
- колаборант
- співпрацівник
🇵🇱 współpracownik
🇯🇵 協力者 (きょうりょくしゃ)
🇫🇷 collaborateur
🇪🇸 colaborador
🇹🇷 işbirlikçi
🇰🇷 협력자 (협력자)
🇸🇦 متعاون
🇨🇿 spolupracovník
🇸🇰 spolupracovník
🇨🇳 合作者 (hézuòzhě)
🇸🇮 sodelavec
🇮🇸 samstarfsmaður
🇰🇿 әріптес
🇬🇪 თანამშრომელი
🇦🇿 əməkdaş
🇲🇽 colaborador
Etymology
The word 'collaborator' originated from the late 19th century, from the Latin word 'collaborat-' meaning 'worked together'. Initially, it was used in a neutral sense to describe people working together on a project. However, during World War II, the term took on a negative connotation due to its association with those who cooperated with enemy forces. Since then, 'collaborator' has been used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the nature of the collaboration.
See also: collab, collaborating, collaboration, collaborative, collaboratively, collaborators.