collect · verb /kəˈlekt/
Word family
Nouns: collection, collector, collectible
Adjectives: collected, collective
Verbs: collect
Adverbs: collectively
collect (KEEP)
A2 T to get and keep things of one type such as stamps or coins as a hobby
Dictionary examples:
She collects dolls.
So when did you start collecting antique glass?
Learner example:
I like to collect dolls, you know that already. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)
collect (BRING TOGETHER)
B1 T to get things from different places and bring them together
Dictionary examples:
Police collected a lot of information during the investigation.
I collected twenty bottles to be recycled.
Learner example:
Suzie will collect all the sheets, so I can do them at home. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)
collect (MONEY)
B2 I or T to ask people to give you money for something, for example a charity
Dictionary examples:
I'm collecting on behalf of Oxfam.
We're collecting (money) for the homeless.
Learner example:
And I think it's a perfect way to collect money for our poor people. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)
collect yourself/your thoughts
C2 to get control over your feelings and thoughts
Dictionary example:
I'll give you a moment to collect your thoughts.
Learner example:
I had [...] about 20 minutes so it would be plenty of time to collect my thoughts and calm down. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)
