coordinate
Definitions
To organize people or activities so they work together effectively
协调，统筹
To match or go well together (of clothes, colors)
（衣物、颜色）搭配协调
Any of a set of numbers used to fix the position of a point on a grid or map
坐标
Equal in rank or importance
同等的，并列的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedco- (together) + ordin- (arrange, rank) + -ate (verb) = 'to arrange things into one shared order.' When you coordinate people, you line them up so they act in sync. The noun coordinate carries the same logic into geometry: a number that fixes a point's place within the order of a grid.
Root order still carries 34 more wordsUsage Guide
- Pronunciation/stress shift: as a verb 'coordinate' ends in a full /eɪt/ (co-OR-di-nate); the noun and adjective use a weak /ət/.
- coordinate with someone, coordinate an effort/schedule (transitive). Don't say 'coordinate to.'
- The noun is almost always plural in everyday use: GPS coordinates, map coordinates.
- Often spelled co-ordinate in older British texts; modern usage drops the hyphen.
Example Sentences
- 1.
We need someone to coordinate the volunteers across all three sites.
- 2.
Her scarf and shoes coordinate perfectly with the dress.
- 3.
Enter the GPS coordinates and the drone will fly there itself.
- 4.
The two departments must coordinate closely to hit the deadline.
Easily Confused
coordinate vs cooperate — cooperate is about willingness to work together (they cooperated with police); coordinate is about organizing the moving parts so they fit (coordinate the schedules). You can cooperate without coordinating, and vice versa.