B2 adjective Neutral

coordinate

/koʊˈɔːrdɪnət/

Describing things that are equal in rank, importance, or degree rather than one being subordinate to the other. In technical contexts like linguistics or mathematics, it refers to elements that have the same functional status or are defined by shared points of reference.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The two departments hold coordinate authority over the budget, meaning both must agree on spending.

The two departments hold coordinate authority over the budget, meaning both must agree on spending.

2

In the sentence 'He liked tea but she preferred coffee,' the two parts are coordinate clauses.

In the sentence 'He liked tea but she preferred coffee,' the two parts are coordinate clauses.

3

The managers occupy coordinate positions in the company hierarchy, so neither can give orders to the other.

The managers occupy coordinate positions in the company hierarchy, so neither can give orders to the other.

Word Family

Noun
coordination
Verb
coordinate
Adverb
coordinately
Adjective
coordinate
Related
coordinator
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Memory Tip

Remember that 'CO-' means 'together' and 'ORDINATE' relates to 'order.' So, coordinate items are in the same order or rank together.

Quick Quiz

In grammar, two independent sentences joined by 'and' are known as _______ clauses because they have equal importance.

Correct!

The correct answer is: coordinate

Examples

1

The two departments hold coordinate authority over the budget, meaning both must agree on spending.

formal

The two departments hold coordinate authority over the budget, meaning both must agree on spending.

2

In the sentence 'He liked tea but she preferred coffee,' the two parts are coordinate clauses.

academic

In the sentence 'He liked tea but she preferred coffee,' the two parts are coordinate clauses.

3

The managers occupy coordinate positions in the company hierarchy, so neither can give orders to the other.

business

The managers occupy coordinate positions in the company hierarchy, so neither can give orders to the other.

4

We should treat these two family issues as coordinate priorities rather than focusing on just one.

everyday

We should treat these two family issues as coordinate priorities rather than focusing on just one.

5

Think of our roles here as coordinate—we're basically equal partners in this project.

informal

Think of our roles here as coordinate—we're basically equal partners in this project.

Word Family

Noun
coordination
Verb
coordinate
Adverb
coordinately
Adjective
coordinate
Related
coordinator

Common Collocations

coordinate clause coordinate clause
coordinate geometry coordinate geometry
coordinate system coordinate system
coordinate bond coordinate bond
coordinate rank coordinate rank

Common Phrases

Cartesian coordinate system

Cartesian coordinate system

coordinate axis

coordinate axis

coordinate conjunction

coordinate conjunction

Often Confused With

coordinate vs subordinate

Coordinate refers to things of equal rank, while subordinate refers to things of lower rank.

coordinate vs coordinated

Coordinated is usually the past participle of the verb, describing something well-organized, while coordinate is an adjective describing rank.

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Usage Notes

When used as an adjective, the final syllable is pronounced with a short 'uh' sound (/nət/). It is most frequently used in academic writing, mathematics, and linguistics to show that two things are on the same level.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often pronounce the adjective form like the verb (/neɪt/). They also sometimes use 'coordinate' when they actually mean 'coordinated' to describe someone with good physical balance.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'CO-' means 'together' and 'ORDINATE' relates to 'order.' So, coordinate items are in the same order or rank together.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'co-' (together) and 'ordinatus' (arranged or ordered).

Grammar Patterns

Usually placed before a noun (attributive use). Often used in the pattern 'X and Y are coordinate'.

Quick Quiz

In grammar, two independent sentences joined by 'and' are known as _______ clauses because they have equal importance.

Correct!

The correct answer is: coordinate

Related Words

majority

C1

The greater number or part of a whole, specifically more than half of a total amount or group. It is often used in political or statistical contexts to describe a group that holds the most power or influence.

method

C1

A systematic, logical, and established procedure for accomplishing a task or conducting research. It implies a structured series of steps designed to achieve a specific result or to gain knowledge in a disciplined manner.

occurrence

C1

An occurrence refers to an instance or event where something happens or exists. In a broader sense, it can also describe the frequency or prevalence of a particular phenomenon within a specific context or dataset.

percent

C1

A mathematical term representing a ratio or proportion out of one hundred. It is used extensively to describe changes, statistics, and probabilities in academic and professional contexts.

percentage

C2

A percentage is a rate, number, or amount in each hundred, used to express a proportion or ratio relative to a whole. In academic contexts, it specifically refers to the quantitative measurement of a subset compared to the total population or data set.

periodic

C2

In an academic or library context, a periodic refers to a publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as a scholarly journal, magazine, or newsletter. It is characterized by its recurring nature and is often archived in series to track the development of research or news over time.

principle

B2

A principle is a fundamental truth, law, or rule that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. It can also refer to a personal code of conduct that guides how an individual chooses to act in various situations.

requirement

C1

A thing that is needed or wanted; a condition that must be met in order to achieve a specific goal or comply with a rule. In formal and academic settings, it often refers to a compulsory qualification or a mandatory standard of performance.

respond

B2

To say or write something as a reply to a question, statement, or letter, or to react to something by taking action. In academic contexts, it often refers to how an organism, system, or person reacts to a specific stimulus or event.

responsive

C1

Characterized by reacting quickly and positively to suggestions, influences, or stimuli. In technical and academic contexts, it describes a system or organism that adapts efficiently to changing conditions or feedback.

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