Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: "Collaborate"
Episode Release Date: April 18, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Introduction to "Collaborate"
In the April 18, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the multifaceted verb "collaborate". Spelled C-O-L-L-A-B-O-R-A-T-E, the term is explored in depth to enhance listeners' understanding and usage in everyday language.
Definitions and Usage
Peter begins by defining "collaborate" as a verb with two primary meanings:
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Positive Connotation: To work jointly with others or together, especially in an intellectual endeavor, to achieve a common goal.
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Negative Connotation: To cooperate with or assist an enemy, particularly during wartime or under enemy occupation.
"To collaborate is to work with another person or group in order to do or achieve something."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:41]
Example in Context
To illustrate its usage, Peter provides a contemporary example:
"Forever 21 collaborated with photographer Henry R. Jones II for the reveal of its Black History Month unisex collection."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:41]
He further describes the collaboration, highlighting the 17-piece display that features deeply personal pieces connected to Jones's artistic journey. Jones's integration of striking photography and poetry invites viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate layers of his art, showcasing the power of collaboration in creating meaningful and impactful work.
Etymology and Linguistic Insights
Peter delves into the etymological roots of "collaborate", breaking down its Latin origins:
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Latin Prefix "com-": Meaning with, together, or jointly. This prefix is notably adaptable, often changing its form based on the succeeding letters of a word.
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Formation of "Collaborate": When combined with the verb "laborare" (to labor), "com-" morphs into "col-", resulting in "collaborate", which literally means to labor together.
"The Latin prefix com, meaning with, together or jointly, is a bit of a chameleon."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:41]
Common Confusions: "Collaborate" vs. "Corroborate"
Peter advises listeners to distinguish "collaborate" from its similar-sounding relative "corroborate":
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"Collaborate": Involves working together towards a common goal.
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"Corroborate": To support or strengthen a statement, theory, or claim by providing additional evidence or information.
He explains the origin of "corroborate", noting its formation from the Latin "cor-" (a variant of "com-") and "robur" (meaning strength), combined to form the Latin verb "corroborare". This, in turn, evolved into the English word "corroborate", emphasizing the provision of supportive evidence.
Conclusion
Wrapping up the episode, Peter reinforces the importance of understanding the nuances of "collaborate", both in its collaborative essence and its potential negative connotations. He encourages listeners to explore further definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups by visiting merriam-webster.com.
"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:41]
This comprehensive exploration of "collaborate" not only clarifies its meanings and applications but also enriches listeners' vocabulary by providing contextual examples and etymological background.