¹collect

noun col·lect \ˈkä-likt also -ˌlekt\

Definition of COLLECT

: a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition, and conclusion; specifically often capitalized : one preceding the eucharistic Epistle and varying with the day

: collection

See collect defined for kids

Origin of COLLECT

Middle English collecte, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin collecta (short for oratio ad collectam prayer upon assembly), from Late Latin, assembly, from Latin, assemblage, from feminine of collectus

First Known Use: 13th century

Rhymes with COLLECT

abject, advect, affect, aspect, bisect, cathect, confect, connect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, direct, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, erect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, object, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reflect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked

²collect

verb col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\

: to get (things) from different places and bring them together

: to get (one or more things) from a place

: to get (similar things) and bring them together as a hobby

Full Definition of COLLECT

transitive verb

a : to bring together into one body or place

b : to gather or exact from a number of persons or sources <collect taxes>

c : to gather an accumulation of (objects) especially as a hobby <collects stamps>

: infer, deduce

: to gain or regain control of <collect his thoughts>

: to claim as due and receive payment for

: to get and bring with one; specifically : pick up <went to collect her at the train station>

intransitive verb

: to come together in a band, group, or mass : gather

a : to collect objects

b : to receive payment <collecting on the insurance>

See collect defined for English-language learners

Origin of COLLECT

Latin collectus, past participle of colligere to collect, from com- + legere to gather — more at legend

First Known Use: 1563

Related to COLLECT

Synonyms: calm, compose, contain, control, re-collect, settle

Antonyms: dispel, disperse, dissipate, scatter

Synonym Discussion of COLLECT

gather, collect, assemble, congregate mean to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit. gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state <a crowd quickly gathered>. collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement <collected books on gardening>. assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose <experts assembled for a conference>. congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle <congregating under a shelter>.