'cooperativism' originates from the Latin word 'cooperari,' where 'co-' meant 'together' and 'operari' meant 'to work.'

'cooperari' transformed into the French word 'coopératif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'cooperative' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'working together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a system of cooperative ownership and management.'