together
together
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "together" is /təˈɡɛð.ər/.
/tə/
/ˈɡɛð/
/ər/
Word Form Variations
Adverb: together (no comparative/superlative forms)
Adjective: together (informal, referring to being organized, stable, or well-adjusted)
Noun: (No direct noun form; "togetherness" is the derived noun)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: With or in proximity to each other.
Synonyms: jointly, conjointly, unitedly, collectively, alongside, in company
Antonyms: separately, apart, individually, alone, singly, aloof
Definition 2: In or into a single group, mass, or place; combining or uniting.
Synonyms: unitedly, as one, combined, integrated, connected
Antonyms: apart, separated, dispersed, divided, fragmented
Definition 3: At the same time; simultaneously.
Synonyms: simultaneously, concurrently, at once, at the same time, in unison
Antonyms: separately, sequentially, one by one, at different times
Definition 4: In agreement or harmony.
Synonyms: harmoniously, amicably, in accord, in unison, cooperatively
Antonyms: in conflict, disagreeing, discordantly, at odds
Definition 5: (Used to combine things to form a whole) Constituting a whole.
Synonyms: as a whole, in total, altogether, combined
Antonyms: individually, in parts, separately
Adjective
Definition 1 (informal): Well-organized and efficient; calm and in control of one's emotions.
Synonyms: organized, composed, self-possessed, stable, balanced, collected
Antonyms: disorganized, chaotic, unstable, flustered, disoriented, neurotic
Definition 2 (informal): Being in a stable and committed relationship.
Synonyms: committed, partnered, united, involved (romantically)
Antonyms: single, separated, broken up, estranged, unattached
Examples of Use
Books:
"They walked together through the silent woods, their footsteps muffled by the fallen leaves." (Fictional example from a nature novel or romance)
"The historian noted how diverse tribes managed to live together peacefully for centuries before colonial interference." (From a non-fiction book on African history or sociology)
"The puzzle pieces finally came together, revealing a clear image of the hidden message." (Fictional example from a mystery novel or a book on problem-solving)
Newspapers:
"President Ruto urged Kenyans to work together for national unity and economic prosperity." ("Daily Nation,")
"The community came together to rebuild homes devastated by the recent floods in the Rift Valley." ("The Standard,")
"Analysts debate whether the coalition government can hold together amidst growing political tensions." ("Business Daily Africa,’’)
Online Publications:
"How to build a strong team: five strategies for working better together." (An article on a business or leadership blog, e.g., Harvard Business Review Online)
"Our new smart home system brings all your devices together for seamless control." (A product review on a tech website, e.g., CNET)
"Tips for staying organized and keeping your life together when you're overwhelmed." (A self-improvement blog post, e.g., Lifehack.org)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "We're all in this together." (Common dialogue in a film where characters face a shared challenge, e.g., High School Musical, 2006)
Television Series: "The final challenge requires you to put this intricate structure together under immense time pressure." (Instructions on a reality competition show, e.g., LEGO Masters)
Song Lyrics: "Come together, right now, over me." (The Beatles, "Come Together," 1969)
Video Games: "Our heroes must work together to defeat the ancient evil threatening the realm." (Game description or plot summary, e.g., World of Warcraft)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we bring science and philosophy together to explore the nature of consciousness." (A podcast host introducing an interdisciplinary discussion, e.g., Sean Carroll's Mindscape)
General Public Discourse:
"Let's all work together to finish this project by the deadline." (A common appeal for cooperation)
"Are you two still together?" (A common question about a romantic relationship)
"She seems really got herself together since starting her new job." (Describing someone as well-adjusted or organized)
"Can you help me put this furniture together?" (A request for assistance with assembly)
"We always celebrate holidays together as a family." (A statement about family traditions)
"The choir sang in perfect harmony, their voices blending beautifully together." (Describing a musical performance)
10 Quotes Using Together
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." (Henry Ford)
"We're all in this together." (Common phrase, popularized by High School Musical, 2006)
"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." (Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights, 1847) - This speaks to two souls being fundamentally "together."
"Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much." (Helen Keller)
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." (Yoko Ono)
"We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." (Lee Iacocca) - This implies the need to work "together" to solve such problems.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead) - This refers to people working "together."
"When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed." (Maya Angelou) - This describes the harmony of people interacting "together."
"Home is where the heart is." (Pliny the Elder) - This implies people being "together" in a home.
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." (Henry Ford)
Etymology
The word "together" has a very old and clear origin in English.
It comes from the Old English phrase tōgædere (sometimes written as togædre).
Let's break down this Old English phrase:
tō: This is the Old English word for "to" (our modern "to"), indicating direction.
gædere: This part is related to the Old English word gaderian, which meant "to gather" or "to unite."
So, literally, tōgædere meant "to gather" or "in a gathered way" or "to a state of being gathered."
The first known use of "together" in English, with the meaning of "in or into one body, company, or place; in union or conjunction," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). Its meaning has remained very consistent over more than a thousand years, always conveying the idea of combination, unity, or proximity.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Together
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "together":
To get it all together: To become organized, efficient, or emotionally stable.
To pull oneself together: To regain control of one's emotions or thoughts.
To be in it together: To be facing a shared situation or challenge, implying mutual support.
To stick together: To remain united or loyal, especially in difficult times.
To put two and two together: To draw an obvious conclusion from available information.
To come together: To unite; to be completed or organized successfully.
To get together: To meet socially; to gather.
All together now!: A command for everyone to do something simultaneously or in unison.
To live together: To cohabit, often in a romantic relationship.
To work hand in hand: To cooperate closely. (Synonymous with working "together")
To be stitched together: (Original) To be formed from disparate parts into a coherent whole. (Playing on the idea of combining elements "together")
To stand as one: To be unified in purpose or action. (Synonymous with standing "together")
To put their heads together: To collaborate in thinking or problem-solving.
Together in spirit: United in thought or feeling, even if physically separate.
To rally the troops: To gather and motivate people for a common effort. (Synonymous with bringing people "together")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of together from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
