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Cooperative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cooperative

[kəʊˈɒpərətɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A cooperative is a business or organization owned and operated by its members, who share the profits or benefits. Cooperatives are typically formed to meet the common needs and interests of the members.

Synonyms

collaborative, collective, joint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cooperative

This word has already been covered. It's not usually appropriate to list it multiple times unless specifying different nuances.
collective

Use this word when referring to actions, decisions, or efforts done as a group or by the group as a whole.

  • The collective decision was to invest in renewable energy
  • A collective effort is needed to clean up the beach
collaborative

This word is best used when referring to efforts or processes where people are actively working together towards a common goal.

  • The company has a collaborative environment where employees share ideas freely
  • The collaborative research among the scientists led to a breakthrough
joint

This word is best used when describing something that is done together by two or more parties, emphasizing their shared partnership.

  • The two companies launched a joint venture to develop new technology
  • They made a joint statement to address the issue

Examples of usage

  • Many farmers joined together to form a cooperative to purchase agricultural supplies at lower costs.
  • The cooperative's members elect a board of directors to oversee the operations of the business.
Context #2 | Adjective

working together

Involving mutual assistance and support between individuals or groups working towards a common goal. Being cooperative means being willing to compromise and collaborate.

Synonyms

accommodating, collaborative, helpful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cooperative

Suitable for describing someone or something that is willing to work together towards a common goal or comply with requests.

  • The team was very cooperative during the project
  • The child was cooperative at the doctor's appointment
collaborative

Best used in situations where multiple people or groups are working together, usually in a creative or intellectual process.

  • The collaborative efforts of the scientists led to a groundbreaking discovery
  • We have a collaborative environment in our workplace
accommodating

Used when describing someone who is eager to help and make others comfortable, often by adjusting their own behavior or plans.

  • She is very accommodating when it comes to adjusting her schedule
  • The hotel staff was extremely accommodating to our special requests
helpful

Most appropriate for describing someone or something that provides assistance or makes a task easier.

  • The instructions were very helpful
  • The staff at the information desk was really helpful

Examples of usage

  • The team showed a cooperative spirit by helping each other to complete the project on time.
  • It is important for employees to have a cooperative attitude in order to work effectively together.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that cooperative behavior increases feelings of belonging and reduces anxiety.
  • Cooperative learning techniques in classrooms lead to improved academic performance and social skills among students.

Economics

  • Cooperatives are businesses owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit, like food co-ops or credit unions.
  • The cooperative business model has been linked to economic resilience, especially in rural areas.

Education

  • Cooperative education combines classroom learning with practical work experience, benefiting students in real-world applications.
  • Team projects in schools often promote cooperative skills, helping students learn to listen, share ideas, and support one another.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray cooperative societies during crises, highlighting the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
  • The concept of 'co-operative gameplay' in video games encourages players to work together to overcome challenges and achieve goals.

Origin of 'cooperative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'cooperari', where 'co-' means together and 'operari' means to work.
  • The first usage of the term dates back to the early 19th century when it described joint efforts to improve living conditions.

The word 'cooperative' originates from the Latin word 'cooperare', which means 'to work together'. The concept of cooperatives dates back to the 19th century when individuals came together to address economic and social challenges. The cooperative movement has since grown globally, promoting principles of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity.

See also: cooperating, cooperation, cooperatively, cooperativeness, uncooperative, uncooperativeness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,520, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.