Coordinate Meaning

UK /kəʊˈɔː.dɪ.neɪt/
US /koʊˈɔːr.dɪ.neɪt/
Word Definition
coordinate meaning

Coordinate Definition & Usage

verb

To organize or arrange elements or people in an efficient and effective way.

Examples

  • "The project manager worked tirelessly to coordinate the team's efforts across multiple locations."
  • "We need to coordinate our schedules to find a time that works for everyone."
  • "The two organizations coordinated their efforts to provide disaster relief in the affected region."
  • "He was asked to coordinate the logistics for the large conference, ensuring everything ran smoothly."
  • "She coordinated the volunteers for the charity event, making sure everyone knew their responsibilities."
verb

To align or adjust the values of variables or systems in a common reference framework, such as a coordinate system.

Examples

  • "In geometry, you need to coordinate the points on the graph to find the intersection."
  • "To plot the trajectory, we must first coordinate the data points in the correct coordinate plane."
  • "The satellite coordinates were calculated to ensure accurate navigation."
  • "Scientists used GPS technology to coordinate the positions of the weather balloons."
  • "The robot’s sensors were calibrated to coordinate its movements in the lab space."
noun

A set of numbers or values used to define a location or position, typically within a defined system.

Examples

  • "The coordinates for the treasure were marked on the map, guiding the explorers to the right spot."
  • "He typed the GPS coordinates into the device to navigate to the restaurant."
  • "The geographer recorded the coordinates of the new island to update the map."
  • "Each point on the grid has its own unique set of coordinates."
  • "The coordinates of the spacecraft were constantly updated to ensure it stayed on course."

Cultural Context

The word 'coordinate' originates from the Latin word 'coordinare,' meaning 'to arrange in proper order.' It was first used in a mathematical sense in the 17th century to describe points on a grid or axis. Over time, its usage expanded to include organizing efforts or aligning things in both physical and abstract contexts. Today, it is widely used in both formal and casual settings, from coordinating a team at work to understanding how points relate in a coordinate system.

The Art of Coordination

Story

The Art of Coordination

Emma had always been a master of organization, but this project was different. As the lead coordinator for a multinational conference on climate change, she had to not only manage hundreds of speakers but also ensure that the event would run smoothly across different time zones and countries. On the first day, she was up early, making final adjustments to the schedule, coordinating with the tech team to ensure the virtual sessions were ready, and ensuring the speakers knew where to go once they arrived. Meanwhile, Ben, the technical coordinator for the event, was busy aligning the system's GPS coordinates for the location of each booth. 'Make sure we update the coordinates for the new location on the map,' he said to his assistant. 'We can't afford any confusion about where the climate change initiatives are being discussed.' As the day progressed, Emma's phone buzzed constantly. 'The speakers from Japan are running late,' one text read. 'We need to coordinate the timing,' another message suggested. Emma took a deep breath and responded, 'Coordinate with the tech team and get the session extended by 30 minutes. Make sure everyone is on the same page.' By the time the first session began, everything was perfectly in place. The team had coordinated every detail, from the technology to the seating arrangements, ensuring smooth transitions between speakers. Emma reflected on the day’s challenges with satisfaction. Coordination, she realized, was not just about getting people to work together—it was about making everything align perfectly, like the points in a complex coordinate system, to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

The Art of Coordination