How to Pronounce “cooperate”

American (US)

/koʊˈɑ.pəˌɹeɪt/

British (UK)

/kəʊˈɒp.ə.ɹeɪt/

Australian (AU)

/kəʉˈɔp.ə.ɹæɪt/

verb — To work or act together, especially for a common purpose or benefit.

The final e is silent. The transcription /koʊˈɑ.pəˌɹeɪt/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “cooperate” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “cooperate” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /koʊˈɑ.pəˌɹeɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /koʊˈɑ.pəˌɹeɪt/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "cooperate" mean?

cooperate (verb): To work or act together, especially for a common purpose or benefit.

How do you pronounce "cooperate" in American vs British English?

American English: /koʊˈɑ.pəˌɹeɪt/. British English: /kəʊˈɒp.ə.ɹeɪt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "cooperate"?

/koʊˈɑ.pəˌɹeɪt/ in American English, /kəʊˈɒp.ə.ɹeɪt/ in British English, /kəʉˈɔp.ə.ɹæɪt/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "cooperate"?

“cooperate” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /koʊˈɑ.pəˌɹeɪt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.