Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/kəʊˈɒpərətɪv/ (UK), /koʊˈɑːpəreɪtɪv/ (US)

Definitions

• Adjective: Involving or relating to cooperation. E.g., "a cooperative effort" or "a cooperative business model."
• Noun: A business or organization owned and operated by its members, who share profits and responsibilities. E.g., "The workers formed a cooperative to improve their conditions."

Usage Examples

• "The cooperative nature of the project led to successful outcomes."
• "They joined a housing cooperative to make home ownership more affordable."
• "The cooperative farm allowed local farmers to pool resources and share the benefits of production."

Etymology

The word "cooperative" comes from the Latin word "cooperari," meaning "to work together." The suffix "-ive" is added to indicate something related to or involving cooperation. The term has been used in English since the early 19th century, especially in reference to collective organizations, particularly in social and economic contexts.

Synonyms

• Collaborative
• Team-based
• Joint
• Mutual
• Shared

Antonyms

• Individualistic
• Selfish
• Competitive
• Autonomous

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the emphasis is often placed on the second syllable of "cooperative" (/kəʊˈɒpərətɪv/), while in American English, it's more commonly pronounced with a stress on the first syllable (/koʊˈɑːpəreɪtɪv/).
• In Spanish-speaking countries, "cooperativo" often carries a slightly different rhythm in different regions, especially between Spain and Latin America.

Historical Usage

The concept of "cooperative" organizations became particularly prominent during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. As industrialization created new social dynamics, cooperative businesses, like worker cooperatives and mutual aid societies, were established to offer a collective alternative to capitalist enterprises. This idea has remained central to various social movements throughout history, advocating for collective ownership and shared responsibility.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, cooperative values are deeply embedded in the community and workplace, especially in Scandinavian countries where "cooperative" business models are common. In contrast, more individualistic cultures, such as those in the United States, may see cooperatives as just one of many business models rather than a core part of social structure.

More Information

The term "cooperative" is most often associated with organizations and enterprises that are owned and run by their members. These members may be workers, customers, or other stakeholders, and profits are typically shared among them. Cooperatives operate under principles that prioritize democratic governance, mutual benefit, and the fair distribution of profits, which makes them an alternative to traditional business models based on profit maximization for external shareholders.