Collective Meaning
Collective Definition & Usage
Relating to or shared by all members of a group, community, or organization.
Examples
- "The collective effort of the community led to a successful fundraiser."
- "They made a collective decision to extend the deadline for the project."
- "The collective wisdom of the team helped solve the problem quickly."
- "The collective rights of the workers were upheld in the new agreement."
- "In a collective society, the needs of the group often come before individual desires."
A group of individuals or organizations working together toward a common goal or purpose.
Examples
- "The collective of artists organized a gallery exhibition."
- "The workers formed a collective to negotiate better wages."
- "In a collective, decision-making is often democratic and based on consensus."
- "She joined a collective of environmental activists to campaign for climate change awareness."
- "The collective of volunteers helped rebuild the town after the storm."
Cultural Context
The concept of a 'collective' has been prominent in various cultures and political ideologies, especially in socialism and communism. It is often associated with the idea of working together for the greater good, emphasizing group action over individualism. In modern usage, it extends beyond politics and is common in artistic and activist communities.
The Collective Decision
Story
The Collective Decision
In the heart of a bustling city, a group of independent artists found themselves in a dilemma. They were working on a major exhibition that required funding, but the project had hit a snag: some members wanted to pursue a more avant-garde approach, while others believed a more conventional path would ensure the success of the show. The tension was palpable, and as the deadline loomed, the group convened to make a collective decision. Sarah, the artist known for her vibrant, abstract designs, was adamant that they needed to take risks. 'If we don’t push boundaries, we’ll just fade into the background,' she said, pacing in front of the others. 'The art world demands innovation.' Meanwhile, Michael, whose work was deeply rooted in traditional techniques, disagreed. 'Innovation is important, but if we go too far, we risk alienating our audience. We need to consider the bigger picture—our goal is to make an impact, not just stir controversy.' The room was divided, but then Elena, who had been quietly observing the debate, spoke up. 'What if we can do both? We could create a piece that blends both styles. It’s about balancing the collective vision.' After a long discussion, the group reached a consensus. They decided to combine Sarah’s daring abstract work with Michael’s more traditional pieces, creating a multi-dimensional exhibition. The decision was made not by one person but by the collective effort of the group. The exhibition was a success, attracting widespread attention. The collective effort had paid off, and they realized that their strength came not from any one individual but from their shared goals and vision. It was a perfect example of how a collective decision can lead to something greater than the sum of its parts. As the exhibition closed, the group promised to continue collaborating, knowing that together they could accomplish more than any of them could alone.