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MWsadly
col​lect
noun
col·​lect
ˈkä-likt also -ˌlekt

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition, and conclusion
    specifically, often Collect one preceding the eucharistic Epistle and varying with the day
verb
col·​lect
kə-ˈlekt
col​lect​ed; col​lect​ing; col​lects

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • transitive ​verb
  • to bring together into one body or place
    to gather or exact from a number of persons or sources //collect taxes
    to gather an accumulation of (objects) especially as a hobby //collects stamps
  • 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
  • to collect objects
    to receive payment //collecting on the insurance
adverb or adjective
col·​lect
kə-ˈlekt

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

  • to be paid for by the receiver
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Verb
calm compose contain control re-collect settle
Examples
Verb
  • //They hope to collect over 1,000 signatures on the petition.
  • //He collected stories from all over the world.
  • //They collected information about the community.
  • //We collected soil samples from several areas on the site.
  • //We collected our baggage from the baggage claim at the airport.
  • //I left my suit at the cleaners and I have to collect it today.
  • //She enjoys collecting antique teapots.
  • //He has an impressive stamp collection, though he has been collecting for only a few years.
  • //I took a minute to collect my thoughts.
First Known Use
Noun
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2
Adverb Or Adjective
1873, in the meaning defined above
History and Etymology
Noun
Middle English collecte, collet, borrowed from Anglo-French collecte, borrowed from Medieval Latin collēcta, perhaps going back to Late Latin, in sense "gathering place, assembly" (assuming the original reference was to ōrātiō ad collēctam, a prayer recited at the congregation's gathering place), going back to Latin, feminine of collēctus, past participle of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate" — more at collect entry 2
Verb
Middle English collecten "to accumulate, infer, calculate," borrowed from Anglo-French collecter, borrowed from Latin collēctus, past participle of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate, pull (oneself) together," from col-, assimilated variant of com- com- + legere "to gather by picking or plucking, select, choose" — more at legend
Adverb Or Adjective
derivative of collect entry 2
collect