ENGLISH
REFERENCE

coordinate

v. · n. · adj.
US //koʊˈɔɹdəˌneɪt// co·or·di·nate
  1. 1 to organize people or tasks (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to organize different people or groups so that they work together effectively.

    to bring the different elements of a complex activity or organization into a harmonious or efficient relationship.

    Example

    We need to coordinate our efforts to finish the project on time.

    Example

    The disaster relief agency had to coordinate multiple volunteer groups to ensure that aid reached the remote villages before the storm arrived.

    Usage

    Often used as a transitive verb requiring a direct object, such as a project or a team.
  2. 2 to match things (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to choose things like clothes or furniture that look good together.

    to select or arrange items, particularly clothing or decor, so that they complement one another aesthetically.

    Example

    She tried to coordinate her tie with the color of her shirt.

    Example

    The interior designer chose to coordinate the curtains with the upholstery to create a unified atmosphere in the living room.
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  1. 3 map or math position (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Math

    a set of numbers or letters used to find the exact position of a point on a map or graph.

    each of a group of numbers used to indicate the position of a point, line, or plane relative to a fixed reference system.

    Example

    The pilot entered the coordinates into the plane's navigation system.

    Example

    By providing the exact GPS coordinates, the hikers allowed the rescue team to locate their position despite the heavy fog.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural when referring to a specific location.
  2. 4 matching clothes (n.)
    C1 Advanced Humorous

    clothes that are designed to be worn together as a matching set.

    items of clothing designed to be worn together as a matching or complementary set.

    Example

    She bought a new set of coordinates for the summer wedding.

    Example

    He appeared in a striking set of linen coordinates, looking perhaps a bit too perfectly matched for a casual garden party.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern fashion contexts, this is often used slightly humorously to describe a very carefully planned outfit.
  3. 5 equal in rank (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    having the same importance or rank as something else.

    equal in rank, quality, or significance; often used in linguistics to describe clauses of equal status.

    Example

    In the sentence 'I ran and he walked', the two parts are coordinate clauses.

    Example

    The treaty established coordinate powers for both branches of the new government to prevent one from dominating the other.

    Usage

    Commonly used in formal writing or technical linguistic analysis.
Etymology 1

From Medieval Latin coōrdinātus, perfect passive participle of coōrdinō (“arrange together”), from co- + ōrdinō, equivalent to co- + ordinate. See -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more. See also ordain and ordinate.

Etymology 2

From a substantivation of the above adjective, see Etymology 1 and -ate (noun-forming suffix) for more. Compare French coordonné.

Etymology 3

From Medieval Latin coōrdinātus, see Etymology 1 and -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more. Compare French coordonner.

Word family

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