forgather: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low Frequency / Archaic or LiteraryLiterary, Formal, or Archaic
Quick answer
What does “forgather” mean?
To come together or assemble, typically for a specific purpose or social reason.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To come together or assemble, typically for a specific purpose or social reason.
To meet, gather, convene; can imply a chance or informal meeting as well as a planned one.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK English, though still rare. In US English, it is considered highly literary or archaic.
Connotations
In UK English, it may retain a slightly more 'usable' literary quality. In US English, it often sounds distinctly old-fashioned or deliberately quaint.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, but marginally more likely to be encountered in British literary or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “forgather” in a Sentence
Intransitive (forgather)Intransitive with preposition (forgather in/at/for)Intransitive with adverb (forgather together)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forgather” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The club members would forgather at the old pub every Thursday.
- Pilgrims forgather at the shrine each spring.
American English
- The townsfolk forgathered in the square for the annual festival.
- Delegates from all states will forgather in Philadelphia.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, but might appear in historical or literary analysis texts.
Everyday
Not used in modern casual conversation.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forgather”
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'They forgathered the team' is incorrect).
- Spelling as 'foregather' (a common variant).
- Using it in a modern, informal context where 'meet up' or 'get together' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered literary, formal, or archaic. In modern everyday English, 'gather', 'meet', or 'get together' are far more common.
They are largely synonymous, but 'forgather' almost exclusively refers to people coming together socially or for a purpose, and it has an old-fashioned tone. 'Gather' is neutral, common, and can be used for people or objects.
No, it is strictly an intransitive verb. You cannot 'forgather something'.
Yes, 'foregather' is a common variant spelling, though 'forgather' is the more standard form listed in many dictionaries.
To come together or assemble, typically for a specific purpose or social reason.
Forgather is usually literary, formal, or archaic in register.
Forgather: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːˈɡæð.ə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːrˈɡæð.ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FOR' a purpose, we GATHER. FORGATHER.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMING TOGETHER IS CONVERGENCE (e.g., people flowing to a central point).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'forgather' correctly?