Collection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“ฆ
Add to dictionary

collection

[kษ™หˆlษ›kสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

group of objects

A collection is a group of objects or things that are gathered together.

Synonyms

assembly, group, set.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
collection

Use 'collection' to describe a group of objects or items that have been gathered, typically with some relevance or value.

  • She has a beautiful collection of antique vases
  • The museum's collection of artifacts is impressive
group

Use 'group' for a general reference to a number of people or things that are together or related in some way.

  • A group of students stood outside the classroom
  • She is part of a hiking group that meets every weekend
set

Use 'set' for a collection of related but distinct items, often used in mathematics, logic, or for items that are designed to be used together.

  • He has a complete set of Shakespeare's works
  • The math teacher explained how to find the intersections of two sets
assembly

Use 'assembly' to refer to a group of people gathered together for a specific purpose, often formally.

  • The town assembly was called to discuss the new regulations
  • The assembly of shareholders will take place next week

Examples of usage

  • She has a collection of rare stamps.
  • The museum has an impressive collection of artwork.
  • He started his own collection of vintage cars.
Context #2 | Noun

group of similar items

A collection can also refer to a group of similar items that are kept together, often for a specific purpose.

Synonyms

assortment, range, selection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
collection

Use when referring to a group of similar items gathered together, often for a hobby or special purpose.

  • He has an impressive collection of vintage cars.
  • The art museumโ€™s collection includes many famous paintings.
assortment

Use when referring to a variety of different items grouped together, often used in commercial or casual contexts.

  • The gift basket contained an assortment of chocolates and nuts.
  • She bought an assortment of fruits for the party.
selection

Use when focusing on the choices available from a larger group, implying a process of picking or choosing.

  • The restaurant has a great selection of wines.
  • She looked through the selection of dresses before making a decision.
range

Use when talking about the full span or extent of something, often showing variation from one end to the other.

  • They offer a wide range of services.
  • The price range for these shoes is quite broad.

Examples of usage

  • The library has a large collection of books.
  • The store offers a collection of designer clothing.
  • His collection of baseball cards is worth a lot of money.
Context #3 | Noun

act of collecting

Collection can also refer to the act of collecting things, such as money or donations.

Synonyms

accumulation, fundraising, gathering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
collection

Used to refer to a group of items gathered together, typically of the same type. This can include art, stamps, books, etc.

  • She has an impressive collection of vintage postcards.
  • The museum's collection includes many rare artifacts.
gathering

Refers to people coming together for a social occasion or meeting. It can also mean the act of collecting information or items.

  • We are planning a small gathering for Jim's birthday.
  • The intelligence agency is focused on the gathering of data.
fundraising

Used when collecting money for a specific purpose, typically for charity, projects, or organizations.

  • The school is hosting a fundraising event to buy new books.
  • They organized a fundraising campaign to support cancer research.
accumulation

Refers to things that build up over time, often implying a gradual gathering of items or substances. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the context.

  • The accumulation of dust on the shelves was noticeable.
  • Over the years, there has been a significant accumulation of data.

Examples of usage

  • The charity organized a collection for the homeless.
  • He made a collection of donations for the animal shelter.
  • The museum relies on donations for its collection.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Art collections often include a mix of styles and periods, reflecting the collector's personal taste.
  • Some famous art collections are displayed in public museums, allowing everyone to enjoy them.
  • The term 'curation' refers to the selection and organization of artworks in a collection, highlighting the collectorโ€™s choices.

Gaming

  • In video games, players often collect items like coins, cards, or achievements to enhance their experience.
  • The 'collectible card game' genre has players gathering cards to build strategic decks and compete.
  • Some games feature vast worlds where collecting virtual items becomes a significant part of the gameplay.

Psychology

  • People often collect items as a way to express their identity or interests, fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Collections can provide a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment, enhancing well-being.
  • Certain individuals may develop compulsive collecting behaviors, known as hoarding, which can affect their personal lives.

Environmental Science

  • Collections of plants and animals can contribute to biodiversity research and conservation efforts.
  • Botanical gardens often maintain collections of various plant species for education and preservation.
  • Scientific collections, like fossils or minerals, are crucial for studying Earth's history and evolution.

Origin of 'collection'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'collection' comes from the Latin 'collectio,' which means 'to gather together.'
  • It entered Middle English from Old French, reflecting the act of gathering items from different places.
  • The earliest uses were often linked to financial or legal collections, such as gathering funds or debts.

The word 'collection' has its origins in the Latin word 'collectio', which means 'a gathering or assembly'. The concept of collecting objects has been a part of human culture for centuries, with individuals and institutions amassing various items for personal enjoyment, preservation, or study. Collections can range from art and artifacts to books and coins, reflecting a diverse array of interests and passions.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,048, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.