# collaborate

/kəˈɫæbɝˌeɪt/ (US) · /kəlˈæbəɹˌeɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/collaborate
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to work together

verb · CEFR B2

to work with another person or group to create or produce something.

For teachers: to work jointly on an activity or project to achieve a common goal. Intransitive, typically taking the preposition 'with' for partners and 'on' for projects.

- The two artists decided to collaborate on a new mural for the city park.
- Researchers from three different universities collaborated on the study to ensure a diverse range of data and perspectives.

Usage: Usually followed by 'with' (people) or 'on' (tasks).

### 2. to help an enemy

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to help an enemy who has invaded or taken control of your country.

For teachers: to cooperate treasonably with an enemy, especially an occupying force in one's own country.

- During the war, some citizens were accused of choosing to collaborate with the invaders.
- The post-war tribunal sought to identify those who had actively collaborated with the regime during the four-year occupation.

Teaching tip: This sense carries a very strong negative moral judgment and is much less common than the positive 'work together' sense.

## Examples

- The two artists decided to collaborate on a new mural.
- Researchers from three different universities will collaborate to find a cure for the disease.
- In a globalised economy, companies often collaborate with their competitors to establish industry standards that benefit the entire market sector.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.