Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌkɔː.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ (UK), /koʊˌɔːr.dəˈneɪ.ʃən/ (US)

Definitions

• Noun: The process of organizing or arranging things so that they work together efficiently and harmoniously.
• Noun: The harmonious functioning of parts in a whole, particularly in the context of teamwork, movement, or planning.

Usage Examples

• "Effective coordination between team members is essential for the success of the project."
• "The coordination of various services ensures that all operations run smoothly."
• "She showed excellent coordination while playing the piano and singing."

Etymology

The word "coordination" is derived from the Latin word "coordinare," meaning "to arrange or put in order," from "com-" meaning "together" and "ordinare" meaning "to arrange." The term evolved in the 19th century to describe the process of arranging things in a manner that enables efficient operation or cooperation.

Synonyms

• Collaboration
• Cooperation
• Synchronization
• Organization
• Integration

Antonyms

• Disorganization
• Chaos
• Disarray
• Conflict
• Incoordination

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the second syllable of "coordination" is stressed more heavily compared to British English.
• In some regional accents of English, the "r" sound in "coordination" may be softer or dropped entirely.

Historical Usage

The term "coordination" became more commonly used in the 19th century as industrialization and modern communication systems required more organized and efficient systems of managing people, processes, and machinery. It was particularly important in areas such as business, military, and governance to ensure smooth operations.

Cultural Nuances

Coordination is central to various aspects of life, from global diplomacy to local community organizing. In collectivist societies, coordination often involves a more communal effort, with an emphasis on collaboration and consensus. In more individualistic cultures, coordination might be more task-focused, emphasizing efficiency and productivity.

More Information

Coordination is an essential skill in many fields, including business, sports, and technology. It is critical for achieving shared goals and ensuring that different parts of a system work together effectively. Mastery of coordination allows for the streamlining of processes, minimizing errors, and optimizing performance, whether in teams, projects, or systems. Understanding coordination helps to foster collaboration and improve outcomes in both personal and professional environments.