Word
collaborate
Phoneticscol·lab·o·rate, stress on the second syllable
US/kəˈɫæbɝˌeɪt/
UK/kəlˈæbəɹˌeɪt/
Definitions
01to work together
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to work with another person or group to create or produce something.
v. 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.
日本語:協力する※
Español:colaborar
“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).
Pitfall
The 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'.
Antonyms
02to help an enemy
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to help an enemy who has invaded or taken control of your country.
v. 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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “collaborate” in context.
Verb
01. collaborate on a project
“Several international agencies are collaborating on a major environmental project.”
verb + prep + adj + noun
02. collaborate to produce
“The two designers collaborated to produce a unique collection for the fashion show.”
verb + infinitive
03. collaborate with colleagues
“She enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds.”
verb + prep + noun
Adverb
04. closely collaborate
“The two research departments closely collaborated on the vaccine development project.”
adv + verb
05. collaborate effectively
“Remote teams must use digital tools to collaborate effectively across different time zones.”
verb + adv
06. collaborate extensively
“The author collaborated extensively with local historians to ensure the book's accuracy.”
verb + adv
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/collaborate
※ 機械で選んだ訳語です。ネイティブスピーカーによる確認はまだです。
「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0