collusion

What does “collusion” mean?

noun.secret or illegal cooperation or conspiracy, especially in order to cheat or deceive others.

SAT Usage

This term often appears in contexts involving politics, business ethics, or legal scenarios, emphasizing the deceitful nature of cooperation between parties. It suggests a hidden agenda aimed at manipulation, distinguishing it from terms like "collaboration," which implies a more benign partnership.

Common Confusions

Collusion implies secretive and deceptive cooperation for illicit purposes, while collaboration usually suggests open and honest teamwork aimed at mutual benefit.

Example Sentences

• The executives were convicted of collusion to fix prices.

• The investigation revealed that the two companies had engaged in collusion, secretly agreeing to fix prices and stifle competition in the market.

Word Parts: How to Remember “collusion”

Break “collusion” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: co- together, with (Latin)