Cooperator

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person who works together with others toward a shared goal or objective
2. An individual who collaborates with others to achieve mutual aims or objectives
3. Someone who actively engages in cooperative efforts alongside others to fulfill common purposes

Etymology: "Cooperator" is a transparent compound: the prefix "co-", meaning "together" or "with", attached to "operator", a word for someone who carries out work. Both parts go back to Latin. "Co-" comes from Latin "com-" or "cum", "with", and "operator" comes from Latin "operari", "to work", from "opus", "work". Put together, the word literally describes someone who works together with others. The "co-" prefix is very productive in English, which is why "cooperator" sits comfortably beside words like "coworker," "coauthor," and "coexist." Its common Latin ancestor, "com-", appears in English words as varied as "compose" and "collect," and the prefix softens to "co-" before a vowel or certain consonants.

Synonyms: collaborator, partner, participant

Antonyms: opponent, adversary