workmate
B1Informal, standard, used in everyday spoken and written contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A person with whom one works in the same place or for the same organisation.
More specifically, a colleague with whom one shares a direct working relationship or a similar role, often implying a degree of camaraderie and shared daily experience.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Focuses on the shared physical or organisational location of work. Less formal than 'colleague' and does not imply a hierarchical relationship (like 'subordinate' or 'supervisor').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is common and standard in British English. In American English, 'coworker' is significantly more frequent, though 'workmate' is understood.
Connotations
In British English, it has neutral to slightly positive connotations of camaraderie. In American English, its lower frequency can make it sound slightly quaint or explicitly British.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English; low-to-medium frequency in US English, where 'coworker' dominates.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
workmate of [possessive] (e.g., a workmate of mine)workmate from [place/time] (e.g., workmate from my old job)workmate and I/weVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's not just a workmate, he's a friend.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in internal communications and informal office talk.
Academic
Rare; 'colleague' or 'research partner' is preferred.
Everyday
The primary context of use, especially in conversations about one's job.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My workmate is very nice.
- I have lunch with my workmates.
- I'm going for a drink with a few workmates after our shift.
- One of my old workmates got a new job in London.
- We weren't just workmates; we supported each other through some difficult projects.
- A former workmate of mine recommended me for this position.
- The camaraderie among workmates in that startup was pivotal to its early success, despite the long hours.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You MATE (friend) you WORK with = WORKMATE.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORKPLACE AS A SOCIAL SPHERE (mates/friends are found there).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'работник-товарищ' or using 'сотрудник' in overly formal contexts where 'workmate' is informal. 'Коллега' is the safest direct translation, but misses the informal tone.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'workmate' in very formal written reports (use 'colleague').
- Spelling as one word 'workmate' (correct) not two words 'work mate' (less common).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'workmate' used most appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is standard but informal. In formal writing, 'colleague' is preferred.
They are near synonyms. 'Coworker' is standard in American English, while 'workmate' is more common in British English. Their meanings are virtually identical.
Typically, no. 'Workmate' implies a peer relationship, not a hierarchical one. You would not usually refer to your direct manager as your workmate.
Rarely. It primarily describes people working for the same employer or in the same immediate workplace.