Collector Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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collector

[kษ™หˆlษ›ktษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

money

A person whose job is to collect payments from people or businesses.

Synonyms

gatherer, gleaner, receiver.

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Word Description / Examples
collector

Can also refer to someone who collects money, such as a debt collector or tax collector.

  • The debt collector called insisting on payment
  • Each district has a tax collector to manage local revenues
gatherer

Refers to someone who collects items or resources, typically in a general sense and often historically, as in hunter-gatherer societies.

  • He works as a data gatherer for the research project
  • Early humans were primarily hunters and gatherers
receiver

Used for someone who takes possession or is the recipient of something, such as goods, messages, or payments. Also, can have a legal context regarding handling assets in bankruptcy cases.

  • She was the receiver of the charity donations
  • The court appointed a receiver to manage the bankrupt company's assets
gleaner

Refers to someone who collects leftover crops from fields after they have been commercially harvested. This word has a more rural and traditional usage.

  • In some rural areas, communities still have gleaners who collect the remaining grain
  • The painting showed gleaners working in the fields at dusk

Examples of usage

  • The tax collector comes to our office every month to collect our taxes.
  • The museum has hired a new collector to acquire valuable artworks for their collection.
Context #2 | Noun

stamps

A person who collects stamps as a hobby.

Synonyms

philatelist, stamp enthusiast.

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Word Description / Examples
collector

A general term used for someone who gathers items of a particular type, such as coins, stamps, or antiques.

  • He is a collector of rare books
  • She has been a collector of vintage postcards for years
philatelist

A specific term for someone who studies or collects stamps. Often used in more formal or specialized contexts.

  • The philatelist showcased his rare stamp collection at the exhibition
  • She met several philatelists at the stamp convention
stamp enthusiast

A term that emphasizes a strong interest or passion for collecting stamps, often used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • As a stamp enthusiast, he spends his weekends hunting for rare editions
  • She joined a club for stamp enthusiasts to share her passion

Examples of usage

  • My grandfather is an avid stamp collector and has a huge collection from all over the world.
  • The stamp collector was thrilled to find a rare stamp at the flea market.
Context #3 | Noun

art

A person who collects works of art, often for investment purposes.

Synonyms

art aficionado, art connoisseur.

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Word Description / Examples
collector

This word is best used to describe someone who gathers items of a particular kind, often for a hobby or investment. It is a general term and does not imply any particular expertise.

  • He is a collector of vintage stamps
art connoisseur

This word describes someone who possesses expert knowledge and a refined taste in art. It implies a high level of sophistication and ability to critically evaluate art.

  • The art connoisseur immediately recognized the painting as an early work of the renowned artist
art aficionado

This term is used to describe a person who is highly enthusiastic and passionate about art but may not necessarily have expert knowledge. It suggests a deep appreciation and love for art.

  • As an art aficionado, she spends her weekends visiting galleries

Examples of usage

  • The art collector bid on the Picasso painting at the auction.
  • She is a well-known art collector with an impressive collection of contemporary art.
Context #4 | Noun

data

A device or mechanism for gathering data.

Synonyms

data logger, data recorder.

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Word Description / Examples
collector

A person who gathers items of a particular type as a hobby or for a collection.

  • He is a stamp collector
  • She has been a coin collector since she was a child
data logger

An electronic device that records data over time or in relation to location, often used in scientific and industrial applications.

  • The temperature data logger was placed in the greenhouse
  • They used a data logger to monitor the environmental conditions during the experiment
data recorder

A device that captures and stores data, commonly used in research and data analysis.

  • The data recorder was essential for tracking the experiment's progress
  • Researchers relied on the data recorder to store the complex data sets

Examples of usage

  • The weather station has an automatic rain collector that measures precipitation.
  • The data collector is used to gather information from various sensors in the laboratory.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Art & Culture

  • Famous collectors like King Ludwig II of Bavaria collected art and furniture that shaped the aesthetics of historic castles.
  • Many museums started as the private collections of individuals, showcasing how personal interests can impact public culture.

Psychology

  • Collecting can fulfill emotional needs, as people find joy and nostalgia in the items they gather.
  • Hoarding is recognized as a psychological condition, where individuals collect items excessively, impacting their living conditions.

Pop Culture

  • Many movies and shows feature collectors, like the 'Pokรฉmon' series, where characters collect creatures to become master trainers.
  • Vinyl records have seen a resurgence in popularity, with collectors driving the market for vintage music memorabilia.

Technology

  • With the rise of digital art, collectors are now purchasing NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) as digital collectibles.
  • Collecting data and personal information has also become a new form of collection in the tech industry, raising privacy concerns.

Origin of 'collector'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'collector' comes from the Latin 'collectus', meaning 'gathered together'.
  • Historically, collectors were often seen as wealthy individuals who amassed rare items from different cultures.

The word 'collector' originated from the Latin word 'collectus', which means 'gathered together'. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. Over time, the term has been used to refer to various types of individuals who gather or accumulate different things, from money to stamps to art. The concept of collecting has been a part of human culture for centuries, reflecting our desire to acquire and preserve objects of value or interest.


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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,793, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.