Collect Meaning

UK /kəˈlɛkt/
US /kəˈlɛkt/
Word Definition
collect meaning

Collect Definition & Usage

verb

To gather things together, often for a specific purpose or interest.

Examples

  • "He collects rare coins from different parts of the world."
  • "She started to collect postcards during her travels."
  • "They have been collecting donations for the charity event."
  • "John collects antique furniture as a hobby."
  • "The museum is collecting artifacts for its new exhibit."
verb

To accumulate or bring together things, often used for abstract concepts like data or people.

Examples

  • "She is collecting evidence for her research project."
  • "The team collected data from various sources to analyze the market trends."
  • "He collected his thoughts before making the final decision."
  • "The artist collected inspiration from nature for his latest piece."
  • "We must collect our resources before starting the project."
verb

To receive or gather money or payments that are owed.

Examples

  • "The bank collects fees for late payments."
  • "The collection agency was sent to collect the outstanding debts."
  • "They collect the rent from tenants at the end of every month."
  • "He has to collect the proceeds from the sale of his house."
  • "The company collects a percentage of the sales for its service fee."

Cultural Context

The act of collecting has long been associated with hobbies, such as stamp collecting, coin collecting, or collecting antiques. It can also refer to the process of accumulating knowledge or evidence. The concept of collection is often seen as a pursuit of passion, nostalgia, or even investment. In a business context, collecting refers to acquiring money owed or gathering resources.

The Collector's Journey

Story

The Collector's Journey

Mia had always been fascinated by the beauty of old postcards. Ever since she was a little girl, she would visit antique shops with her grandmother, admiring the collection of postcards from faraway places. As she grew older, Mia decided to start her own collection, not just of postcards, but of stories—stories from the places and people she encountered on her travels. Every new card she collected felt like a small piece of someone's history, a tangible connection to a moment in time. One day, Mia received an invitation to an exclusive collector's event in Paris. The event was known for bringing together the most passionate collectors from around the world. The theme was 'The Art of Collection,' and Mia, with her modest but growing collection, was eager to attend. At the event, Mia met George, an experienced collector who specialized in rare postcards from the 19th century. He showed her his most prized possession—an antique card from a tiny village in France, dating back to 1880. 'It's incredible how much history is captured in these little pieces of paper,' George said. 'Each one tells a story of its own, and that’s what makes collecting so special.' Mia was struck by the idea of 'collecting' as something far beyond the physical act of gathering. It was about understanding the connections and histories behind each item. Over the course of the evening, she collected not only postcards but also friendships and insights into the world of collecting. It was no longer just about accumulating things—it was about connecting with stories, memories, and people. As the event concluded, Mia realized that her collection of postcards had evolved. It was no longer about the individual cards themselves, but about the experiences they represented. She had collected a deeper understanding of the world around her, and the cards were merely symbols of the greater connections she had made. Walking back to her hotel room that night, Mia smiled. She had collected so much more than she had ever expected, and her journey as a collector had just begun.

The Collector's Journey