English Reference
verb · noun · adjective

coordinate

v. · n. · adj.
US /koʊˈɔɹdəˌneɪt/ co·or·di·nate UK spelling coordinates

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

    disorganizedisrupt
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The interior designer chose to coordinate the curtains with the upholstery to create a unified atmosphere in the living room.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Math

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Humorous

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

    separatesmatching set
  5. 05 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    adj.having the same importance or rank as something else.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

He will oversee joint naval defence, coordinate with member states and other maritime coalitions, and carry out missions under the coalition’s charter.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

Firefighters are required to coordinate their movements with the Lebanese army, which relays their request to a “deconfliction” group that includes the Israeli military.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin la-med coōrdinātus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated