gather
/ˈɡæðɚ/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To bring people or things together into one group, collection, or place.
Volunteers gather supplies in the gym before distributing them across town.
Have you gathered all the necessary documents for the closing?
To assemble or come together in a group.
A large crowd gathered outside the stadium before the concert.
Family members will gather around the table every holiday.
To deduce or infer something based on evidence or information received.
From his hesitant tone, I gather that the project is behind schedule.
Did you gather anything useful from the director's brief remarks?
To increase gradually in speed, strength, or intensity.
The downhill sled quickly gathered momentum as the snow froze over.
Dark clouds were gathering strength just off the Atlantic coast.
To pull fabric together in small folds using stitches.
The tailor gathered the excess fabric along the waistband for a snug fit.
Gather the top edge evenly before stitching it to the collar.
How it's used
When this means “collect items or people”
- gather the receipts
- gather the receipts together
“gather them.”
The researcher gathered the surveys together for analysis.
When this means “infer from information”
- gather that the deal is off
We gathered that negotiations had completely broken down.
When this means “gain intensity or speed”
- gather speed
“gather it.”
The freight train gathered speed as it left the station.
Collocations
- gather information
- gather data
- gather evidence
- gather supplies
- gather around
- gather together
- gather momentum
- gather strength
Synonyms
- collect
- assemble
- congregate
- infer
- deduce
- pleat
Idioms
gather one's thoughts
pause to calm down and organize what to say
She took a deep breath before the interview to gather her thoughts.
gather one's wits
regain composure after shock or confusion
He needed a minute after the crash to gather his wits.
gather dust
stay unused for a long time
My old guitar has been gathering dust in the closet for years.