collaborate
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to work with another person or group to create or produce something.
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.
Simple“The two artists decided to collaborate on a new mural for the city park.”
In context“Researchers from three different universities collaborated on the study to ensure a diverse range of data and perspectives.”
UsageUsually followed by 'with' (people) or 'on' (tasks).
PitfallThe two companies collaborated themselves on the project. The two companies collaborated on the project.Collaborate is not a reflexive verb; you do not collaborate 'yourself'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to help an enemy who has invaded or taken control of your country.
to cooperate treasonably with an enemy, especially an occupying force in one's own country.
Simple“During the war, some citizens were accused of choosing to collaborate with the invaders.”
In context“The post-war tribunal sought to identify those who had actively collaborated with the regime during the four-year occupation.”
Teacher's tipThis sense carries a very strong negative moral judgment and is much less common than the positive 'work together' sense.
“As Americans withdrew from Kabul the Taliban moved in, which meant hell for women, dissidents and anyone who had collaborated with the occupiers.”
“UNHCR is already collaborating closely with Syrian authorities and other development partners to address recovery needs.”
Back-formation from collaborator, from French collaborateur, or else modeled on French collaborer or directly from Late Latin collabōrātus, past participle of collabōrāre. Displaced native Old English efnwyrċan.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.