A2verb1K

Collect

UK /["/kəˈlekt/","/kəˈlekts/","/kəˈlektɪd/","/kəˈlektɪŋ/"]/US /["/kəˈlekt/","/kəˈlekts/","/kəˈlektɪd/","/kəˈlektɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to bring things together from different people or places

In simple words: To get things together and keep them.

Examples

We need to collect all the data before the meeting.
She loves to collect stamps from different countries.
Can you collect the groceries from the store?
The museum will collect donations for the new exhibit.
He decided to collect his thoughts before speaking.

Usage notes

Use 'collect' when talking about gathering items or information. It can be informal when referring to hobbies, but is neutral in professional contexts. Avoid using it for casual situations where 'gather' might be more fitting.

Grammar pattern

collect + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'collection' of stamps, which you gather.

Collocations

collect data
collect stamps
collect opinions
collect payments
collect information

Synonyms

gather
gather

Antonyms

disperse
scatter
lose

Common mistakes

Confused with 'collective', which means a group.
Using 'collect' with uncountable nouns incorrectly.
Saying 'collects' when using it as an action with an object.