Cooperation: meaning, definitions and examples

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cooperation

[kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

working together

Cooperation is the process of working together to achieve a common goal. It involves individuals or groups joining forces, sharing resources, and collaborating towards a mutual benefit. Cooperation is essential in various aspects of life, including business, politics, and interpersonal relationships.

Synonyms

collaboration, partnership, unity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cooperation	Use this term when you want to depict a scenario where individuals or groups are working together towards a common goal, often in a formal or official capacity. The success of the project relied on the cooperation of the entire team International cooperation is essential to address climate change
collaboration	This word is best used to describe a joint effort usually involving creativity or intellect, like in arts, sciences, or business. It often implies a deeper level of interaction and the merging of ideas. The artists' collaboration resulted in a stunning piece of art Collaboration between scientists from different fields can lead to groundbreaking discoveries
partnership	This term is appropriate when referring to a formal or business relationship where the parties involved share responsibilities, risks, and benefits. The two companies entered a partnership to develop new software A successful partnership requires mutual trust and understanding
unity	This word is used to emphasize a state of being united or joined as a whole, often in more abstract or emotional contexts, such as social or cultural cohesion. The event promoted a sense of unity among the community members Unity is crucial for overcoming societal challenges

Examples of usage

International cooperation is crucial for addressing global challenges such as climate change.
Teamwork and cooperation are key to the success of any organization.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

legal agreement

Cooperation can also refer to a legal agreement between parties to assist each other in investigations or other activities. This type of cooperation often involves sharing information or resources to achieve a common objective.

Synonyms

assistance, collaboration, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cooperation	Used in situations where two or more parties work together towards a common goal. Often used in formal and professional settings. The cooperation between the two companies led to the successful launch of the new product International cooperation is essential to address global challenges like climate change
collaboration	Indicates a deeper level of working together, often involving sharing ideas, resources, and responsibilities. Commonly used in creative, scientific, or professional environments. The artists' collaboration resulted in a beautiful mural Scientific collaboration has led to many breakthroughs in medicine
assistance	Refers to help or aid provided, typically in situations where someone needs support or resources. Can be formal or informal. She asked for assistance with her homework The charity provides assistance to families in need
support	Refers to backing or encouragement given to someone, often emotional or financial. Can be used in a wide range of settings, from personal to professional. She received a lot of support from her friends during difficult times The project would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors

Examples of usage

The two countries signed a cooperation agreement to combat terrorism.
Police departments often engage in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

biology

In biology, cooperation refers to interactions between organisms that benefit all parties involved. This can include mutualistic relationships where both species benefit from the interaction.

Synonyms

interdependence, mutualism, symbiosis.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cooperation	Used when individuals or groups work together towards a common goal without implying any specific type or degree of interaction. Often used in general contexts. The two companies entered into cooperation to develop new technology Team cooperation was essential for winning the competition
mutualism	Primarily used in a biological context to describe a type of symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit. In a mutualism, the bee pollinates the flower while getting nectar in return The relationship between the clownfish and the anemone is a classic example of mutualism
symbiosis	Refers to a close and long-term interaction between two different species where they live together, which could be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to one or both parties. Symbiosis between fungus and algae creates lichens In some cases, symbiosis can lead to parasitism where one organism benefits at the expense of the other
interdependence	Describes a relationship where entities rely on each other for resources or support, often highlighting a mutual need or benefit. The interdependence between countries is crucial for global trade In nature, there is an interdependence among species for survival

Examples of usage

The bees and flowers have a symbiotic cooperation that benefits both species.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'cooperatio', where 'co-' means 'together' and 'operari' means 'to work'.
Its usage in English dates back to the late 16th century, reflecting the importance of teamwork in various societies.

Psychology

Research shows that cooperation can lead to stronger social bonds and increased trust among individuals.
Studies indicate that cooperative behavior can enhance problem-solving abilities and lead to more innovative solutions.

Cultural Examples

Many indigenous cultures have practices rooted in cooperation, viewing the community as essential for survival and well-being.
Cooperative movements, such as worker cooperatives, gained traction in the 19th century as a way for workers to band together for shared interests.

Pop Culture

The popular game 'Among Us' highlights the importance of cooperation and communication among players to achieve their tasks.
In many movies, like 'The Avengers', teamwork and cooperation among superheroes is central to overcoming challenges.

Science

In biology, cooperation among species, known as mutualism, can enhance survival and resource availability, such as bees pollinating flowers.
The concept of cooperation is also essential in evolutionary biology, where species that cooperate can thrive in competitive environments.

Translations

Translations of the word "cooperation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cooperação

🇮🇳 सहयोग

🇩🇪 Zusammenarbeit

🇮🇩 kerjasama

🇺🇦 співпраця

🇵🇱 współpraca

🇯🇵 協力 (きょうりょく)

🇫🇷 coopération

🇪🇸 cooperación

🇹🇷 işbirliği

🇰🇷 협력 (협력)

🇸🇦 تعاون

🇨🇿 spolupráce

🇸🇰 spolupráca

🇨🇳 合作 (hézuò)

🇸🇮 sodelovanje

🇮🇸 samvinna

🇰🇿 ынтымақтастық

🇬🇪 თანამშრომლობა

🇦🇿 əməkdaşlıq

🇲🇽 cooperación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,019, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2016 contributions
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2018 characters
2019 cooperation
2020 afterwards
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