Gather

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Gather

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb and noun

Pronunciation

GATH-uh  /ˈɡaðə/

Definition

As a verb: to bring together or assemble; to collect from scattered places; to increase in speed, strength, or intensity; to infer or understand; to pick crops or natural produce; to pull fabric into pleats or folds. As a noun: a pleat or fold in fabric.

Plain meaning

To gather means to bring things or people together — gather information, gather speed, gather flowers. It also means to conclude or understand — I gather you are leaving.

Register

Neutral and extremely versatile. One of the most common and wide-ranging verbs in English. Used in formal, informal, technical, and figurative contexts alike.