By Marina Pantcheva
The verbs collaborate and cooperate can often be used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle meaning difference between the two.
collaborate= 1. to work together with somebody in order to achieve a single shared goal.
The musicians of the orchestra collaborated to create an unforgettable performance.
Wikipedists collaborate to create the world’s largest encyclopedia.
collaborate= 2. to help the enemy who has taken control of your country during a war.
Quisling collaborated with the nazis.
cooperate=1. to work with other people by achieving one’s own goals as part of a common goal.
Facebook users cooperate to create the world’s largest social network.
cooperate=2. to be helpful by doing what somebody asks you to do.
During the dentist examination, the child cooperated formidably and kept her mouth wide open.
