Gathering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gathering

[หˆษกaรฐษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social event

A gathering is a social event where people come together, usually for a specific purpose such as a party, meeting, or celebration. It involves a group of individuals assembling in one place to interact, socialize, and engage in activities.

Synonyms

assembly, get-together, meeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gathering

Used for informal or formal events where people come together for a social reason.

  • We are having a family gathering this weekend.
  • The gathering at the park included music and dancing.
meeting

Usually refers to a formal or business-related event where people discuss specific topics or make decisions.

  • We have a staff meeting every Monday.
  • The meeting lasted for over two hours as they debated on the new policy.
assembly

Typically used in formal or official contexts where a group of people come together for a specific purpose.

  • The school held an assembly to discuss the new rules.
  • There was an emergency assembly of the board members.
get-together

Used for informal social events, usually among friends or family.

  • Let's have a get-together at my place this Friday.
  • We had a small get-together with some old friends.

Examples of usage

  • The family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner was a warm and joyful occasion.
  • There will be a gathering of industry professionals at the conference next week.
  • People from different cultures come together at the annual cultural gathering in the city.
  • The political gathering was held in support of the candidate running for office.
  • At the gathering, everyone shared stories and laughed together.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'gather' comes from the Old English 'gaderian', which means to bring together or assemble.
  • In ancient cultures, gatherings were often held for community decision-making, festivals, or ceremonies.
  • Throughout history, gatherings have served as a way to strengthen social bonds and build community relationships.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have traditional gatherings during specific festivals, like family reunions or seasonal celebrations.
  • In some communities, gatherings are crucial for sharing knowledge and passing down traditions from one generation to the next.
  • Religious gatherings, such as services or retreats, play important roles in spiritual practices and community building.

Science

  • Social gatherings can have psychological benefits, including reduced stress and increased feelings of belonging.
  • Research shows that regular social gatherings can improve mental health and overall well-being.
  • Gatherings can also facilitate collaboration and innovation, fostering new ideas and solutions.

Literature

  • Many literary works center around gatherings that lead to significant plot developments, like family dinners or council meetings.
  • From Shakespeareโ€™s plays to contemporary novels, gatherings often highlight themes of conflict, unity, or revelation.
  • In poetry, gatherings can symbolize collective experiences, capturing the essence of community and shared emotions.

Technology

  • In the digital age, the concept of gathering has expanded to include virtual meetups through video conferencing.
  • Online forums and social media platforms have created new ways for people to gather and connect regardless of distance.
  • Virtual gatherings, like webinars and online workshops, have become increasingly popular, especially post-pandemic.

Origin of 'gathering'

The word 'gathering' has its origins in Old English, derived from the verb 'gaderian' meaning 'to bring or come together'. Over time, it evolved to represent the act of assembling people or things in one place. The concept of gatherings has been a fundamental part of human social interaction throughout history, serving as a means of connection, celebration, and communication.


See also: gather, gathered, gatherer, gatherings.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,021, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.