coopt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, political
Quick answer
What does “coopt” mean?
To bring someone into a group or organization, often for strategic reasons or to neutralise opposition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To bring someone into a group or organization, often for strategic reasons or to neutralise opposition.
To adopt or take over an idea, method, or term from another group or context for one's own use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. Spelling: British English more frequently uses 'co-opt' with a hyphen, while American English often uses 'coopt' (closed).
Connotations
Slightly more common in British political discourse. In American academic contexts, 'appropriate' may be used in similar semantic territory.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but more prevalent in political science, sociology, and organisational theory texts.
Grammar
How to Use “coopt” in a Sentence
[Subject] coopt [Object] (into [Group])[Subject] coopt [Object] as [Role]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coopt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee voted to co-opt three external experts.
- Their strategy was to co-opt the most vocal critics.
American English
- The party hopes to coopt young activists.
- They coopted the term and used it for marketing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The board decided to coopt the lead engineer from the rival firm to gain insider knowledge.
Academic
The study examines how mainstream political parties coopt the rhetoric of grassroots movements.
Everyday
They coopted my sister into helping plan the surprise party.
Technical
The software framework allows developers to coopt modules from other projects.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coopt”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coopt”
- Misspelling as 'co-opt' or 'co opt'. Using it to mean simple 'cooperation'. Incorrect preposition: 'coopt for' instead of 'coopt into'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Cooperate' implies working together willingly. 'Coopt' implies one party absorbing another, often without the latter's full agency or to serve the former's interests.
Rarely. While formally neutral, it typically carries a strategic or even cynical connotation of taking over or diluting something for one's own benefit.
"Into" is most common (coopt someone into a group). "As" is also used (coopt someone as a member/advisor).
Both are accepted. 'Co-opt' is the original hyphenated form, but 'coopt' (closed) is increasingly common, especially in American English.
To bring someone into a group or organization, often for strategic reasons or to neutralise opposition.
Coopt is usually formal, academic, political in register.
Coopt: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈɒpt/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈɑːpt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Coopt and rule”
- “A coopted opposition”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CO-OP (cooperative) adding a new member: they 'co-opt' them in.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSORPTION IS CONTROL (absorbing an element to neutralise its independent power).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'coopt' in political contexts?