foregather: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal, Literary, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “foregather” mean?
To come or bring together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To come or bring together; to assemble, meet, or congregate.
To gather together for a social purpose, discussion, or event; to convene. Can also imply a natural or coincidental meeting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is archaic in both varieties, but may be slightly more recognized in British literary or historical contexts. The spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with old-fashioned or formal prose. It may evoke images of groups (like dignitaries, families, or conspirators) convening.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Almost never used in contemporary speech or writing outside of deliberate stylistic choices.
Grammar
How to Use “foregather” in a Sentence
[People] foregather at/in [place][People] foregather for [purpose/event]Intransitive use only (no object).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foregather” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The clan would foregather at the ancestral castle every autumn.
- Protesters began to foregather in the square long before the rally was due to start.
American English
- The alumni decided to foregather at the old diner for their reunion.
- Committee members will foregather in the conference room at noon.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used; 'convene', 'meet', or 'assemble' are standard.
Academic
Rare, might appear in historical or literary studies describing gatherings.
Everyday
Not used; would sound odd or pretentious.
Technical
No specific technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foregather”
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'He foregathered the team' - INCORRECT). It is intransitive.
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where 'meet up' or 'gather' is appropriate.
- Confusing spelling with 'forefather'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in core meaning. However, 'foregather' is archaic, formal, and almost exclusively used for people assembling, often with a sense of purpose or prior arrangement.
No, it would sound very old-fashioned and out of place. Use 'meet', 'gather', 'get together', or 'assemble' instead.
It is strictly intransitive. You cannot 'foregather' something or someone. The people themselves foregather.
It is of Scottish origin (16th century), from the prefix 'fore-' (perhaps meaning 'together', as in 'forth') + 'gather'. It is unrelated to 'fore-' meaning 'before'.
To come or bring together.
Foregather is usually formal, literary, archaic in register.
Foregather: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈɡæðə/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈɡæðər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FORE' (ahead of time) + 'GATHER' (come together) = to gather together, often by prior arrangement.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMING TOGETHER IS MOVING TO A CENTRAL POINT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'foregather' correctly?