Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Collected Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🧳
Add to dictionary

collected

[kəˈlɛktɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a state of being gathered together

brought together in one place or group; accumulated

Synonyms

accumulated, assembled, gathered.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
collected

Used when referring to items that have been systematically brought together, often implying a sense of purpose or intention.

  • She collected stamps from every country she visited
  • The charity collected donations for the food drive
gathered

Can indicate bringing things or people together but often implies a more casual or less systematic approach.

  • They gathered flowers from the garden
  • The crowd gathered in the town square for the concert
assembled

Refers to bringing things or people together in an orderly fashion, typically for a specific purpose or function.

  • The team assembled in the conference room for the meeting
  • She assembled all the parts before starting to build the furniture
accumulated

Indicates the process of gradually building up a quantity of something over time, often without a deliberate effort.

  • Dust accumulated on the shelves while they were away
  • He accumulated a lot of experience over the years

Examples of usage

  • The collected works of Shakespeare are considered a masterpiece.
  • She took a deep breath and tried to appear calm and collected under pressure.
Context #2 | Verb

to bring or gather together

to bring together or assemble from various sources

Synonyms

assemble, compile, gather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
collected

Utilized when referring to items or data that have been brought together from various sources, and typically implies a level of organization.

  • She collected a series of rare books over the years
  • The scientist collected data from numerous experiments
gather

Use this when collecting items, data, or people together, often in a less formal or systematic way than 'collected' or 'compile'.

  • She gathered flowers from the garden
  • They gathered information from various sources
assemble

Best used when putting together parts of something into a whole, often applied to physical objects or groups of people.

  • They assembled the new furniture with the provided instructions
  • The team assembled for the meeting at 10 AM
compile

Ideal for bringing together information or documents in an orderly fashion, often for publication or presentation.

  • He compiled a report based on the survey results
  • The librarian compiled a catalog of all the new books

Examples of usage

  • She collected donations for the charity event.
  • The students collected data for their research project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being organized and collected can lead to reduced stress and increased focus, as it helps clear mental clutter.
  • Psychologists suggest that people who keep a tidy environment often feel more in control of their lives.
  • Collecting personal items or memories can serve as a coping mechanism, providing comfort during difficult times.

Cultural Insight

  • In many cultures, collective gathering is a way to foster community and share experiences, such as in festivals and markets.
  • Art collectors often drive the art market, showcasing the importance of collecting in cultural appreciation.
  • The practice of collecting can reflect individual identity, where what one collects tells a story about their interests and values.

Literature

  • In literary contexts, a 'collected works' edition compiles all writings by an author, preserving their legacy.
  • The act of collecting stories or poems reflects the broader human desire to remember and share narratives.
  • Characters in novels often engage in collecting as a journey, symbolizing personal growth or change.

Science

  • In biology, collected samples from nature are crucial for research, helping scientists understand ecosystems.
  • Collecting data in experiments allows researchers to make informed conclusions about their hypotheses.
  • The act of collecting in paleontology (the study of fossils) plays a vital role in uncovering the history of life on Earth.

Origin of 'collected'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to the Latin 'collectus', meaning 'gathered together'.
  • In English, it has been used since the late Middle Ages, often in relation to gathering information or items.
  • The prefix 'co-' suggests 'together', giving insight into the act of bringing things to one area.

The word 'collected' originates from the verb 'collect', which comes from the Latin word 'collectus', past participle of 'colligere', meaning 'gather together'. The term has evolved over time to represent the idea of bringing things or people together in one place or group.

See also: collect, collectables, collectible, collectibles, collecting, collection, collective, collectively, collectivize, collector, recollect.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,393, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.