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Congregate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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congregate

[ˈkɒŋ.ɡrɪ.ɡeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a religious context

To come together in a group or crowd, especially for a religious purpose. Congregate often implies gathering for worship, prayer, or other religious activities.

Synonyms

assemble, gather, meet.

Examples of usage

  • The faithful congregated at the church for Sunday service.
  • Pilgrims from around the world congregate in Mecca during Hajj.
Context #2 | Verb

in a social context

To gather or assemble in a group, usually for a common purpose or social interaction. Congregate can also refer to people coming together in a specific location.

Synonyms

assemble, gather, meet.

Examples of usage

  • Friends congregated at the park for a picnic.
  • Students often congregate in the library during exam week.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, many species congregate for mating rituals, ensuring better chances of reproduction.
  • Animal herds often congregate for protection against predators, showing they come together for safety.
  • Certain environmental factors, like weather or food availability, can cause animals to congregate in specific locations.

Culture

  • In various cultures, congregation serves as a communal activity, promoting social bonds and shared beliefs.
  • In cities, people congregate in public spaces like parks and markets, highlighting the need for community interaction.
  • Events like festivals or concerts often see large groups congregating for celebration and enjoyment.

Psychology

  • Research shows that humans have an innate desire to congregate, which can lead to feelings of belonging and community.
  • Social anxiety can make it challenging for some individuals to congregate, reflecting on their comfort in social settings.
  • The 'mere exposure effect' suggests that the more people are exposed to each other in congregated settings, the more likely they are to form positive relationships.

Pop Culture

  • The act of congregating is often portrayed in movies and shows to depict community spirit or togetherness.
  • Many songs celebrate the theme of coming together, emphasizing unity and connection among people.
  • Online communities congregate in virtual spaces, highlighting modern interpretations of gathering in the digital age.

Origin of 'congregate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'congregare,' meaning 'to bring together'.
  • It is formed from 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'gregare' meaning 'to herd' or 'flock'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, initially in religious contexts.

The word 'congregate' originated from the Latin word 'congregatus', which is the past participle of 'congregare', meaning 'to collect, gather together'. The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, originally with a religious connotation. Over time, 'congregate' has evolved to encompass gatherings beyond just religious contexts, becoming a common term for people coming together in various settings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,773, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.