Collecting: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used when bringing items together that belong to a specific set or category, often for a hobby or organized purpose.

• She enjoys collecting stamps from different countries.
• He has been collecting old coins for over a decade.

Often used for bringing people or items together in one place, typically in a social or physical sense, and can imply care and intent.

• The family was gathering for a reunion.
• They were gathering evidence for the trial.

Commonly used for gradually increasing the amount of something, often over a long period, and can sometimes suggest an inorganic or impersonal accumulation.

• Dust was accumulating on the shelves.
• She has been accumulating vacation days for years.

Typically implies gathering something in large quantities, often money or valuable resources, sometimes suggesting greed or ambition.

• He spent years amassing a large fortune.
• The general was amassing troops for the campaign.

Used when acquiring items systematically, often as a hobby or for a purpose.

• She enjoys collecting stamps
• He is collecting data for his research

Refers to bringing things or people together, often for a specific event or purpose, and can be physical items or abstract concepts like information.

• They are gathering volunteers for the event
• The family is gathering for a reunion

Often relates to gathering things over time, with a focus on growth or increase in quantity

• He has been accumulating wealth throughout his career
• Dust is accumulating on the shelves

Usually emphasizes the large scale or impressive quantity of what is being gathered, often related to wealth or resources.

• The company is amassing a huge amount of revenue
• She has been amassing followers on social media