Collaboration

Definition

Collaboration refers to the action of working together with one or more people or organizations to achieve a common goal. It involves sharing ideas, resources, and responsibilities to produce a joint outcome or solution.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/
• Respelling: kuh-LAB-uh-RAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/
• Respelling: kuh-LAB-uh-RAY-shuhn

Etymology

The word "collaboration" originates from the Late Latin "collaborare," meaning "to work together," from "com-" (together) and "laborare" (to work). The term was adopted into English in the mid-19th century, reflecting the idea of individuals or groups working collectively to accomplish tasks.

Derivatives

• Collaborate (verb)
• Collaborative (adjective)
• Collaborator (noun)
• Collaborationist (noun)
• Collaboratively (adverb)

Synonyms

• Cooperation
• Partnership
• Teamwork

Antonyms

• Isolation
• Opposition
• Competition

Usage

The noun "collaboration" is frequently used in various contexts such as business, academics, art, and technology, to describe joint efforts between individuals or organizations. For example, "The two companies announced a collaboration to develop new software," or "Their artistic collaboration resulted in a successful exhibition." It highlights mutual efforts and contributions toward a shared objective.

Related Terms

• Alliance: A union or association formed for mutual benefit.
• Synergy: The interaction of elements that produces a combined effect greater than the sum of their individual effects.
• Coordination: The process of organizing people or groups so that they work together effectively.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of working jointly on a project or task: Refers to individuals or groups coming together to accomplish a common goal.
  • Example: "The collaboration between the scientists led to groundbreaking research."
• The result of joint efforts: Refers to the product or outcome of people working together.
  • Example: "Their collaboration produced a best-selling book."
• Cooperation between entities: Refers to organizations or individuals pooling resources and expertise for mutual benefit.
  • Example: "International collaboration was key to solving the global crisis."