Confusing Words: Coworker and Co-worker (noun)
Meaning: a person with whom one works, typically someone in a similar role or at a similar level within an organization.
Coworker vs Co-worker Clarification: Coworker and co-worker are two different styles of the same word, which is used to refer a ‘colleague’.
Coworker vs Co-worker – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
There is just one difference between coworker and co-worker that is hyphen. Actually, both of these terms are correct to use. There is no difference in meaning, function and even in pronunciation. You can use any one of them as nothing is wrong with coworker and co-worker.
Definition
Coworker or co-worker is used as a noun within a sentence. It is synonymous with a colleague. It is used to refer a person with whom you work, like who has the same job like you do within an organization or an institute.
1. My coworkers/co-workers are very cooperative; this is the reason for our success.
2. One of my coworkers/co-workers got promoted. She is now the CEO of our company.
3. Join my organization and be my coworker/co-worker.
Check Out: The Difference Between Unorganized and Dis-organized.
But why there are two styles to write coworker?
The answer is preference. For instance, in AP Style, the hyphenated co-worker is much preferred than the unhyphenated coworker. In the same way, the Canadian Press style also prefers to use co-worker.
However, the Chicago Manual of Style, Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association and American Medical Manual of Style prefer to use the unhyphenated term ‘coworker’.
If we see a preference in American and British English, we will come to know that coworker is favored in American English whereas, British English prefers to use co-worker.
On the other side, if you observe the overall view, you will come to know that the hyphenated term ‘co-worker’ is very much preferred in most of the areas. Actually, co-worker is said to be the traditional spelling, on the other hand, coworker is thought to be a spelling mistake.
But, as I said above that both of the spellings are correct to use.
So, you do not need to be confused. If you want to use coworker or co-worker, just check your publication’s style. For instance, if they are following AP Style then, must choose co-worker rather than coworker. Hence, it is important to keep an eye on the particular style guide to write something without any criticism.
What Did You Learn?
Coworker and co-worker are two different styles of the same word, which is used to refer a ‘colleague’. Both of these terms are acceptable to use. However, the hyphenated co-worker is much preferred worldwide.