gathering - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
gathering Word Meanings
- social events where people come together
- meetings for a common purpose
- assemblies or collections of people
gathering Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
gathering Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɡæð.ər.ɪŋ/
US
/ˈɡæð.ər.ɪŋ/
gathering Word Etymology
(a) gather (verb) + -ing (suffix); (b) From Old English 'gatherian', meaning to assemble, deriving from Proto-Germanic; (c) Imagine a cozy picnic where friends gather to share food and stories under a big tree, symbolizing connection and community.
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 InputReal Context
Gathering is a noun that names a social occasion when people come together in one place. It can be informal, like a family gathering on a holiday, or more organized, like a community gathering at a park or hall. The word emphasizes the act of assembling rather than a formal program; you might attend a casual gathering with friends, share food and stories, or a larger gathering for a common purpose such as charity or cultural celebration. People talk about attending a gathering or hosting a gathering. The plural is gatherings. The etymology is from gather plus ing, from Old English gatherian and Proto-Germanic roots, and the idea centers on connection and community.
Usage Reminders
- - Use a or the with gatherings
- - Common collocations: family gathering, social gathering, community gathering
- - Distinguish from meetings when there is a formal agenda
- - Attend a gathering, host a gathering, or planning a gathering
- - Plural is gatherings; avoid treating it as an uncountable mass
Common Misconceptions
- It can only refer to large formal events
- It means the collection of objects rather than people
- Gathering and meeting are always interchangeable
- The word cannot be used for casual, small get-togethers
- Gathering implies a fixed schedule or agenda
Thinking Differences
In English, gathering often conveys a warm, informal sense of people coming together and may imply social interaction more than a planned agenda, which can lead learners to choose meeting or conference for formal contexts.
Learning Tips
- Practice with both a and the before gathering
- Pair gatherings with specific types: family, friends, community
- Use plural gatherings when talking about multiple events
- Compare with meeting to show formality levels
- Notice collocations like host a gathering and attend a gathering
- Write a short paragraph using gathering in different contexts
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'gathering'?
A.Separating
B.Sleeping
C.Collecting
D.Running
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'gathering' used correctly?
A.She was scattering flowers at the event.
B.He was gathering his clothes in the morning.
C.I was sleeping during the gathering.
D.They were running around with their friends.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'gathering'?
A.Scattering
B.Assembling
C.Separating
D.Distributing
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'gathering'?
A.Collecting
B.Dispersing
C.Storing
D.Piling
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you encounter a 'gathering'?
A.Library late at night
B.School playground during recess
C.Empty field in the countryside
D.Busy highway during rush hour
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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