Collect
/kəˈlɛkt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo gather, accumulate, or assemble items.
/kəˈlɛkt/
To gather or bring together.
She collects antique dolls.
💡 Simply: Imagine a kid gathering their favorite toys into a big box—that's collecting! You bring things together in one place.
👶 For kids: To put things together in one spot.
More Examples
Please collect your belongings before leaving.
How It's Used
"I collect stamps as a hobby."
"The company is collecting payments from its customers."
To systematically gather something due or owed.
/kəˈlɛkt/
To receive or obtain something systematically.
The school collects donations for charity.
💡 Simply: Like a mail carrier picking up letters, collecting means getting something regularly— maybe it's your money or information.
👶 For kids: To get things that people owe.
More Examples
The library collects overdue books.
How It's Used
"The government collects taxes from its citizens."
Idioms & expressions
collect oneself
To regain composure after a shock or surprise.
"After the accident, she took a moment to collect herself."
From Middle English *collecten*, from Old French *collecter*, from Latin *colligere* "to gather together", from *com-* "together" + *legere* "to gather, read".
The word has been used in its current sense since the Middle English period, with its Latin roots highlighting its association with gathering.
Memory tip
Think of a collector carefully gathering valuable items.