collect - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
collect Word Meanings
- to gather items or people together
- to receive money owed
- to bring together for a specific purpose
collect Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
collect Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəˈlɛkt/
US
/kəˈlɛkt/
collect Word Etymology
The root 'collect' comes from 'col-' meaning 'together' and 'legere' meaning 'to gather'. Originated from Latin to Old French and then to English. Imagine gathering scattered pieces of art into a beautiful gallery, uniting them into one place.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I bend, pick up a handful of items, and move them toward the center of the table. I shift a few more into the growing pile, keeping an eye on balance. I feel the push and pull of space around me as I set each piece where it belongs. The act of gathering reveals what I will collect for this moment.
Real Context
Collect is a versatile verb. It often means to gather items or people into one place, as when you collect the mail, collect friends for a reunion, or collect data from a survey. It can also mean to receive money owed: to collect a debt or to collect payment. A less common sense is to bring together for a specific purpose, such as collecting evidence, or collecting donations for a cause. The word traces back to Latin col- meaning together and legere to gather, passing into Old French and then English. Think of assembling scattered pieces of art into a single gallery.
Usage Reminders
- • Collect is about bringing things together.
- • Use collect for debts or payments.
- • Distinguish collect from gather in many cases.
- • With data, you often collect from respondents.
- • Phrases: collect data, collect evidence, collect donations.
Common Misconceptions
- Think collect only means to gather people.
- Assume collect always involves money.
- Mix up collect with gather in casual contexts.
- Confuse collect with pick up as in mail collection from a mailbox.
- Overgeneralize that you always collect after every survey.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice common collocations: collect data, collect evidence, collect donations
- Compare with gather in contexts of people vs objects
- Use passive voice for debts: money is collected
- Remember the etymology to recall the sense of togetherness
- Create a mini glossary of phrases using collect
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'collect' mean?
A.Spread out
B.Destroy
C.Hide away
D.Gather together
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'collect' used correctly?
A.She decided to collect her toys in different rooms.
B.He always tries to collect trouble.
C.They collect to go for a walk.
D.The teacher told the students to collect their attention.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a similar word to 'collect'?
A.Disperse
B.Scatter
C.Unite
D.Break
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite word of 'collect'?
A.Disperse
B.Accumulate
C.Gather
D.Amass
Step 5: Mastery
In a real-life context, when might you 'collect' things?
A.Going to the park
B.Shopping at the mall
C.Watching a movie
D.Organizing a stamp collection
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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