Reap: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used in a figurative sense to indicate receiving a reward or outcome, often something earned through effort or actions.

• She reaped the benefits of her hard work.
• They will reap what they have sown.

Associated mainly with agriculture, referring to the process of picking and collecting crops when they are ready.

• They harvest the wheat in the late summer.
• The farmer harvested the apples from the orchard.

Commonly used when referring to bringing things together, often items or objects, or in the context of gathering information, money, or data.

• She collects stamps from around the world.
• They collected data for the research project.

Refers to coming together in one place, or bringing together things or information, often used in a casual or informal setting.

• We gathered at the park for a picnic.
• She gathered some flowers from the garden.

Suitable for discussing the process of gathering the benefits of hard work or investments, often used metaphorically. It can have a negative connotation if implying someone is benefiting unfairly.

• She will reap the rewards of her diligent study habits.
• Investors are set to reap significant profits from the booming stock market.

Used when talking about acquiring something beneficial, including both tangible and intangible assets. It can sometimes imply a competitive context.

• She gained valuable experience during her internship.
• The company gained a substantial market share.

Best for situations where the emphasis is on acquiring something without significant emphasis on the effort involved, particularly in more formal or neutral contexts.

• She received a gift for her birthday.
• He received a letter from the university.

Appropriate when referring to obtaining something as a result of one's effort or merit, particularly in the context of work and income.

• He earned a promotion through consistent hard work.
• You can earn more money by working overtime.

Often used in a metaphorical or figurative sense to describe obtaining results or benefits from one's actions or efforts, sometimes with a connotation of deserving or inevitability.

• You reap what you sow.
• After years of hard work, she finally reaped the benefits of her dedication.

Specifically relates to the process of collecting crops or other cultivated products from the fields. It can also be used in a broader sense in scientific contexts, like 'data harvesting'.

• The farmers are harvesting wheat this season.
• We are harvesting data from various sources for our research.

Commonly used to describe the act of collecting items or bringing people together. It can be used in social contexts or when talking about collecting natural or abstract items.

• We're gathering all the information we need for the project.
• A family gathering was held last Sunday.