coordinates: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “coordinates” mean?
A set of numbers that defines the position of a point in space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of numbers that defines the position of a point in space.
To organize people or things so they work together effectively; clothes or accessories designed to match.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In fashion context ('coordinates'), slightly more common in US marketing. Verb usage identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of precision (maths/geography) and organization (verb).
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly higher technical usage in American English due to widespread GPS technology references.
Grammar
How to Use “coordinates” in a Sentence
coordinate sth (with sth/sb)coordinate with sbcoordinate sth and sthcoordinate to do sthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coordinates” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to coordinate our diaries to find a suitable time.
- The centre coordinates relief efforts for the region.
American English
- He'll coordinate with the team back in Chicago.
- We coordinated our outfits for the wedding.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form; 'in a coordinated manner' is used)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form; 'coordinately' is extremely rare and non-standard)
adjective
British English
- She wore a beautifully coordinate skirt and jacket. (Rare, 'coordinated' is standard)
American English
- The fabric comes in coordinate patterns. (Rare, 'coordinating' is standard)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
She coordinates the marketing and sales teams to ensure consistent messaging.
Academic
The study plots participant responses using geographical coordinates.
Everyday
Can you send me the coordinates for the meeting point? I'll put them in Google Maps.
Technical
The spacecraft's trajectory was calculated using celestial coordinates.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “coordinates”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “coordinates”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coordinates”
- Using it as a singular noun ("a coordinate" is rare for location; usually 'a set of coordinates').
- Confusing 'coordinate' (verb) with 'cooperate' (to work with others).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the location sense, it is always plural ('the coordinates are'). For the fashion sense, it is plural ('matching coordinates'). The verb form is 'coordinate'.
'Coordinate' means to organize different elements to work efficiently together. 'Cooperate' means to work jointly with others towards a common goal. You coordinate tasks, but you cooperate with people.
Rarely. In mathematics, you might refer to 'an x-coordinate', but for a geographical point, you almost always use the plural 'coordinates' (requiring at least two numbers).
No, 'coordinations' is not a standard plural noun. The noun related to the verb 'coordinate' is 'coordination' (uncountable).
A set of numbers that defines the position of a point in space.
Coordinates is usually neutral, academic, technical in register.
Coordinates: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪts/ (verb), /kəʊˈɔːdɪnəts/ (noun), and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈɔːrdəneɪts/ (verb), /koʊˈɔːrdənəts/ (noun). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get your coordinates right (figurative: be properly informed).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CO-ORDINATES: Think 'CO-' (together) + 'ORDINATES' (orders/positions). It's about putting positions together (on a map) or putting people/things in order together (verb).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY / PROJECT IS A MAP ("We need to get our coordinates right before proceeding.")
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'coordinates' used as a VERB?