gather

The word “gather” means to bring separate things or people together in one place. In plain terms, to bring things or people together, to collect something over time, or to work out something from clues.

“Gather” is pronounced GA-thuh (/ˈɡæðɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “gather” used in a sentence: “They gathered the children into the classroom before the fire drill.”

Words with a similar meaning to “gather” include add up, begather and togetherize.

“Gather” is a verb.

The word “gather” comes from Old English. From Old English gaderian ("to bring together, unite"), from a Germanic root meaning "to unite or keep.".

“Gather” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Gather” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bring separate things or people together in one place.

Both mean to bring things together, but "gather" often suggests drawing scattered things or people into one place, sometimes casually. "Collect" can carry a sense of selecting or accumulating items on purpose, as in collecting stamps or collecting data.

"Gather" is the more general and everyday word for bringing people or things together. "Assemble" is often more deliberate and organized, used when a group comes together for a specific purpose or when parts are put together to form a whole.

Common combinations include "gather around" (to form a circle or crowd), "gather up" (to collect things together), and "gather together." You also "gather" people or things "in" a place.

Frequent pairings include "gather information," "gather momentum," "gather speed," and "gather a crowd." These reflect both bringing things together and gradually building something up.