C1adjective2K

Collective

UK /["/kəˈlektɪv/"]/US /["/kəˈlektɪv/"]/

Definition

done or shared by all members of a group of people; involving a whole group or society

In simple words: A group of people or things coming together.

Examples

  • **collective leadership/decision-making/responsibility**
  • collective memory *(= things that a group of people or a community know or remember, that are often passed from parents to children)*
  • It was formed as a permanent association of employers to represent their collective interests.
  • MPs heaved a collective sigh of relief when the news was announced last night.
  • The austerities of wartime Europe were still fresh in the collective memory.
  • There has to be a balance between individual choice and collective responsibility.
  • We encourage collective decision-making about patient care, involving medical staff, the patient and family.
  • The collective name for mast, boom and sails on a boat is the ‘rig’.

Usage notes

Used when referring to a group acting as one. More formal in academic contexts; less common in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

collective + noun

Memory hint

Think 'collect' combined with 'active' - together they form a united group.

Collocations

  • collective effort
  • collective responsibility
  • collective decision
  • collective noun
  • collective consciousness

Synonyms

  • group
  • team
  • ensemble
  • aggregate
  • body

Antonyms

  • individual
  • solitary
  • single

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'collect'—'collective' is a noun/adjective.
  • Using 'collective' in a singular context improperly.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'co-lective' instead of 'co-lect-ive'.