coworker - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
coworker Word Meanings
- a person who works with you in the same company or department, a colleague
- someone you work with on a project or task
- figuratively, a fellow participant or partner in an activity or job
coworker Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
coworker Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəʊˈwɜːkə/
US
/koʊˈwɜrkər/
coworker Word Etymology
Root decomposition: co- means together, work is the action, -er marks an agent noun. Historical origin: co- comes from Latin com- via Old French into English; work comes from Old English weorc and the suffix -er from Old English. Memory image: picture two coworkers wearing shirts labeled Co- and Worker joining to build a bridge between desks to show teamwork.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A coworker is a person who works with you in the same company or department, effectively a colleague in practical terms, and someone you collaborate with on projects or tasks. The term is common in American English and is somewhat less formal than colleague, though many workplaces use it interchangeably. You might say, 'My coworker and I finished the report,' or 'I'll ask a coworker for help with the spreadsheet.' Figuratively, it can also mean a fellow participant in an activity, job, or venture. It emphasizes everyday working ties rather than friendships outside work.
Usage Reminders
- • Use coworker for someone you work with in the same company or department.
- • Don’t use coworker to mean an employer or employee; use colleague or employee instead.
- • In casual speech, coworker is common; in formal writing, prefer colleague.
- • Be mindful of hyphenation (co-worker is possible but less common).
- • Distinguish coworkers from friends or clients who aren’t part of your organization.
Common Misconceptions
- coworker means your boss or supervisor
- coworker always implies a close friendship
- coworker and colleague are never interchangeable
- the term can only refer to people in your immediate team
- coworker denotes a temporary or contract worker
Thinking Differences
In English, coworker centers on your day-to-day work peers within the same organization, with colleague often used when the relationship feels more formal or across organizations. Learners may default to 'co-worker' or misapply it to external partners; remember that coworkers are not necessarily friends and can include interns or managers in the same department.
Learning Tips
- Compare coworker with colleague to sense formality
- Practice sentences with 'my coworker' and 'a coworker'
- Notice collocations: 'coworker from IT', 'coworker and I'
- Use internet media to hear pronunciation and rhythm
- Record yourself using the word in context
- Read workplace dialogues to hear natural usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'coworker'?
A.A person who works with another person
B.A type of animal
C.A shared workplace
D.A type of machine
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'coworker' correctly?
A.I took my coworker to the dentist.
B.My coworker is my best friend.
C.The cowboys rode with their coworker.
D.He’s a great coworker when it comes to training horses.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'coworker'?
A.Colleague
B.Companion
C.Partner
D.Peer
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'coworker'?
A.Manager
B.Stranger
C.Competitor
D.Sole proprietor
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context involving 'coworker'?
A.In a team project, my coworker helped me with ideas.
B.I often see people at restaurants.
C.The cat sat quietly on the window sill.
D.Many students are studying in the library.
Related Listening
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