gather
B1Neutral (used across all registers)
Definition
Meaning
To come together, bring together, or collect into one place or group.
To understand or conclude from evidence; to increase in intensity or amount (e.g., speed); to pull fabric together with stitches; (as a noun) a fold in fabric or an assembly of people.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb covers both the concrete action of collecting objects/people and the abstract process of forming conclusions or emotions. The noun use is less common and more specific.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The noun sense for an assembly is rare and slightly more literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral. No significant difference.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] gather [NP][NP] gather [that-clause][NP] gather [together][NP] gather [up] [NP][NP] gather [speed/force]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gather dust”
- “gather one's wits”
- “gather steam”
- “a rolling stone gathers no moss”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'We need to gather market intelligence before the launch.'
Academic
'The study gathers data from three longitudinal cohorts.'
Everyday
'Let's gather at my place at seven.'
Technical
'The software gathers system logs for analysis.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The protesters will gather in Trafalgar Square.
- I gather you're not keen on the idea.
- She gathered her skirts and ran.
American English
- Let's gather the team for a quick huddle.
- From what he said, I gather things didn't go well.
- The storm gathered strength over the ocean.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Archaic) The clouds gathered darkly on the horizon.
American English
- (Rare/Archaic) The people listened gatheredly to the speech.
adjective
British English
- The gathered crowd awaited the royal couple. (past participle as adjective)
- She wore a dress with a gathered waist.
American English
- The gathered evidence was compelling.
- He looked at the gathered family with pride.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We gather eggs from the farm every morning.
- The children gathered around the teacher.
- Leaves gather on the ground in autumn.
- Please gather your documents before the meeting.
- I gather from your email that you approve.
- They gathered enough money to buy a car.
- The researcher gathered qualitative data through interviews.
- Dark clouds gathered, promising a heavy storm.
- He paused to gather his thoughts before answering.
- The movement gathered momentum following the scandal.
- From the fragments of conversation, she gathered a troubling picture.
- The fabric is finely gathered at the cuff.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a gardener who GATHERs the fallen leaves into a pile. GATHER sounds like 'get her' – you need to get her and others together.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS GATHERING (e.g., 'I gather you're unhappy')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'гадать' (to guess). 'I gather' означает 'я понимаю/ясно' на основе намёков, а не догадок.
- Избегать кальки 'собирать урожай' для 'gather harvest' – более естественно 'harvest the crops'.
- В значении 'шить сборки' используется именно 'gather' (to gather fabric), а не 'assemble'.
Common Mistakes
- *I gathered to the party. (Incorrect pattern. Use: I went to the party / We gathered for the party.)
- *She gathered me to leave. (Incorrect. Use: She understood/realised I was leaving.)
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'I gather you're not coming,' what does 'gather' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, as an intransitive verb: 'A crowd gathered.' It means people came together.
They are often interchangeable, but 'collect' can imply a more systematic or hobbyist activity (e.g., collect stamps), while 'gather' is more general and can apply to abstract things (e.g., gather strength).
No, 'gathering' is the common noun for an event or act. The noun 'gather' is rare and refers specifically to a fold in sewing or a drawing together.