BharatNotes Cooperative
adjective; nounUsage in a UPSC answer
By devolving credit and marketing functions to member-owned cooperatives, the state can insulate the small farmer from exploitative middlemen while fostering a culture of self-reliance and collective bargaining at the grassroots.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
cooperative (adj/n), cooperate (v), cooperation (n), cooperatively (adv), cooperativeness (n), cooperator (n)
Root
Latin co- = together + operari = to work → cooperari = to work together → Late Latin cooperativus
Etymology
From Late Latin cooperativus, from Latin cooperat- ("worked together"), from the verb cooperari, from co- ("together") + operari ("to work").
Memory Hook
Break it into CO + OPERATE: people who CO-OPERATE (operate together) are cooperative — a co-op where members work as one.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2025 — Climate Change
- Mains 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marks — Indian Polity
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Cooperative” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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