WordGarden.iogather
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈæðə/
US
- /ˈɡæðər/
Meanings
Verb
collect or bring things or information together
come together or assemble as a group
understand or infer something from available information
More meaningsFewer meanings
pick or harvest crops or wild plants
increase or build up gradually
pull cloth into small folds
Beyond the definition
To gather something is to bring things together, like picking apples from a tree, bringing friends together for a party, or building knowledge over time. Think of squirrels gathering nuts before winter. It means bringing separate things into one group or place. You might gather around a campfire with loved ones, or gather information for a report. Sometimes it takes effort, and you have to actively gather the resources you need to reach a goal.
The word can also be used figuratively. A storm might gather strength as it moves inland, meaning it grows more powerful. Or, someone might gather their courage before facing a difficult task. It's all about bringing things together, whether physical objects, people, or even abstract qualities like strength and bravery.
The word "gather" speaks to the act of bringing things—both tangible and intangible—into a unified collection. At its core, it means to collect, assemble, or accumulate. Imagine farmers gathering their harvest from the fields, carefully collecting each ripe fruit and vegetable. Or picture friends gathering for a celebration, coming together from different places to share joy and companionship.
As a verb, "gather" implies an active process. You don't just stumble upon a gathered collection; someone or something has made the effort to bring it into being. This could be as simple as gathering your belongings before leaving for work, or as complex as scientists gathering data for a research project.
But "gather" isn't limited to physical objects. You can gather information from various sources, gather strength during challenging times, or even gather momentum towards a goal. It also describes the way things come together naturally—clouds gather before a storm, and rumors gather speed as they spread.
Furthermore, "gather" has a cognitive dimension: it can mean to understand or conclude something based on the evidence available. For instance, you might say, "From what I can gather, the meeting went well," suggesting you have picked up various clues to form a complete thought. In a more specialized context, such as sewing, "gathering" refers to pulling fabric together into small, decorative folds.
So whether it's collecting apples, assembling friends, drawing fabric, or coming to a conclusion—"gather" is about bringing things into proximity and creating a unified whole. It's a word that speaks to connection, accumulation, and the power of bringing things together.
Examples
- 1
Meal
We gathered around the table for dinner.
- 2
Leaving class
She gathered her books and left the classroom.
- 3
Crowd
A small crowd gathered outside the theater.
- 4
Investigation
Detectives are still gathering evidence.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Inference
I gathered from his email that the meeting had been canceled.
- Patterngather from + information
understand or conclude something from it
- 6
Weather
Dark clouds were gathering over the hills.
- 7
Increasing speed
The train slowly gathered speed as it left the station.
- Phrasegather speed
gradually go faster
- 8
Campaign support
The campaign is gathering support in rural areas.
- 9
Clear thinking
He paused at the door to gather his thoughts.
- Phrasegather your thoughts
get ready to think or speak clearly
- 10
Regaining calm
After the bad news, she took a minute to gather herself.
- Phrasegather yourself
become calm again
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- gather information
- gather evidence
- gather data
- gather around
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- gathernounverb
Forms
- gatheredpast tenseverbnoun
- gathering-ing formverbnoun
- gatherspluralnounverb