gather

gather

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "gather" is /ˈɡæð.ər/.

• ga: /ˈɡæð/

• ther: /ər/

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Word Form Variations

• Verb: gather (base form), gathers (third person singular present), gathered (past tense, past participle), gathering (present participle)

• Noun: gathering (singular), gatherings (plural)

• Adjective: gathered (as in "gathered fabric"), gathering (as in "a gathering storm")

• Adverb: (No direct adverb form)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Verb

Gather

1. To bring together a group of people or things; to collect. 

• Synonyms: assemble, collect, convene, accumulate, compile, amass

• Antonyms: disperse, scatter, distribute, separate, spread

2. To come together; to assemble.

• Synonyms: congregate, convene, meet, assemble, convene

• Antonyms: depart, leave, disperse, scatter

3. To infer or conclude from evidence or observation.

• Synonyms: infer, deduce, conclude, understand, surmise, glean

• Antonyms: misinterpret, misunderstand, overlook, ignore

4. To pick or harvest (crops or natural produce).

• Synonyms: harvest, collect, pick, reap, glean

• Antonyms: plant, sow, leave, cultivate

5. To draw (fabric or a garment) together in folds or puckers.

• Synonyms: pleat, ruche, pucker, cinch, tuck

• Antonyms: smooth, flatten, ungather, spread out

Noun

Gathering

1. A meeting or assembly of people. 

• Synonyms: assembly, meeting, convention, congregation, get-together (informal), convocation

• Antonyms: dispersion, scattering, breakup, solitude

2. A collection of things.

• Synonyms: collection, accumulation, assortment, compilation

• Antonyms: dispersion, scattering

3. (In sewing) The part of a garment that is drawn together in folds.

• Synonyms: pleat, ruche, pucker, ruffle

• Antonyms: flat section, smooth part

Adjective

Gathered

1. (Of fabric or a garment) drawn together in folds or puckers.

• Synonyms: pleated, ruffled, ruched, puckered

• Antonyms: flat, smooth, ungathered

Gathering

1. (Of a storm or ominous situation) increasing in intensity or approaching.

• Synonyms: impending, looming, approaching, brewing, ominous

• Antonyms: receding, dispersing, clearing, distant

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Examples of Use

Books

• Non-fiction (Research/History): Authors frequently describe the process of collecting information. A historian might explain how they "gathered evidence from various archives" (Oxford University Press, April 2024). Scientific texts might detail how scientists "gather data" through experiments.

• Fiction: Characters might "gather their belongings," "gather courage," or observe a crowd beginning to "gather." "She watched the storm clouds gather on the horizon."

• Cookbooks/Gardening Guides: These often instruct readers to "gather fresh ingredients" or "gather vegetables from the garden."

Newspapers

• News Articles: Journalists report on people "gathering for events" or law enforcement "gathering evidence." A headline might read, "Protesters Gather Outside City Hall" (The Standard, July 2025). Articles often detail efforts to "gather support" for a cause.

• Weather Reports: Forecasts might mention clouds "gathering" before a storm.

• Election Coverage: Reporters discuss how candidates "gather votes" or public opinion polls "gather sentiments."

Online Publications

• Social Media: Users might post about friends "gathering for a celebration" or asking for help to "gather ideas" for a project. "Let's all gather online for a live chat!"

• Data Analytics/Business Blogs: These often discuss how companies "gather customer insights" or "gather market intelligence."

• Community Forums: Online groups organize meetups where members "gather" in person.

• DIY/Craft Blogs: Tutorials might instruct on how to "gather fabric" for a sewing project.

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms

• Movies/TV Shows: Scenes often depict crowds beginning to "gather," or characters trying to "gather information" for an investigation. A character might say, "I need to gather my thoughts."

• Video Games: Players often embark on quests to "gather resources" or "gather clues" to solve a mystery. Character dialogue might involve a leader asking forces to "gather for battle."

• Music: Song lyrics sometimes use "gather" to express unity, collecting memories, or the approach of something. "We gather 'round the campfire."

• Podcasts: Hosts might discuss how experts "gather their research" or how stories "gather momentum."

• News Broadcasts: Live reports show people "gathering" at event sites.

General Public Discourse

• Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "Let's gather for dinner tonight," or "I need to gather my things before we leave." "From what I can gather, he's doing well."

• Workplace: Colleagues discuss "gathering feedback" from clients, "gathering requirements" for a new system, or "gathering for a team meeting."

• Education: Teachers instruct students to "gather information" for research papers. Students might "gather their notes" before an exam.

• Community Events: Organizers encourage people to "gather for a good cause."

• Idiomatic Use: "Gather oneself" (to compose oneself) or "gather dust" (to be unused) are common. "He needed a moment to gather himself after the shock."

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10 Quotes Using Gather

1. "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying." (Robert Herrick)

2. "You can't gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles." (Matthew 7:16)

3. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)

4. "Let us gather strength from the very despair in which we have to live." (Jawaharlal Nehru)

5. "We must gather wisdom from every experience, whether joyful or challenging."

6. "The quiet moments are often when we truly gather our scattered thoughts and find clarity."

7. "To forge a resilient future, we must first gather the collective strength of unity."

8. "He who sows patience and diligence will inevitably gather a bountiful harvest of peace."

9. "The profound art of truly listening allows one to gather even the most subtle, unspoken truths."

10. "Let us gather around narratives that inspire courage and genuinely connect our diverse spirits."

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Etymology

The word "gather" comes from the Old English word "gaderian," which meant "to unite," "to collect," or "to assemble."  It's related to other Germanic words, all conveying the idea of bringing things or people together.

The first known use of "gather" in English, with the meaning of "to bring together, collect, or assemble," dates back to before the 9th century. It appeared in texts referring to physically collecting items or people coming together. Over time, its meaning expanded to include inferring information or collecting abstract ideas.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Gather

• Gather dust: To remain unused for a long time. "That old bicycle is just gathering dust in the garage."

• Gather steam: To increase in speed, power, or momentum. "The project is gathering steam now that we have more funding."

• Gather one's wits: To collect one's thoughts and compose oneself, especially after a shock. "She took a deep breath to gather her wits before speaking."

• Gather pace: To increase in speed. "The car began to gather pace as it headed down the highway."

• Gather roses: To enjoy life's pleasures while one can (from "gather ye rosebuds"). "We should gather roses and enjoy the moment."

• Gather round: To assemble around a central point or person. "Everyone gathered round the storyteller."

• Gather wool: To be daydreaming or absent-minded. (Archaic/less common) "He was just gathering wool instead of paying attention."

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of gather from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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