gather

[[t]gæ̱ðə(r)[/t]]

♦♦

gathers, gathering, gathered

1) V-ERG If people gather somewhere, they come together in a group.

[V prep/adv] In the evenings, we gathered around the fireplace and talked...

[V n with together] The man signalled for me to gather the children together. [Also V]

Syn:

congregate

2) VERB If you gather things, you collect them together so that you can use them.

[V n] I suggest we gather enough firewood to last the night...

[V n together] She stood up and started gathering her things together.

Syn:

collect

PHRASAL VERB

Gather up means the same as gather.

V P n (not pron) When Sutcliffe had gathered up his papers, he went out... V n P He gathered the leaves up off the ground.

3) VERB If you gather information or evidence, you collect it, especially over a period of time and after a lot of hard work.

[V n] ...a private detective using a hidden tape recorder to gather information...

[V n] This would help the prosecutor gather evidence against him which could be used in court.

Syn:

collect, amass

4) VERB If something gathers speed, momentum, or force, it gradually becomes faster or more powerful.

[V n] Demands for his dismissal have gathered momentum in recent weeks...

[V n] The raft gathered speed as the current dragged it toward the falls.

Syn:

gain

5) VERB When you gather something such as your strength, courage, or thoughts, you make an effort to prepare yourself to do something.

[V n] You must gather your strength for the journey.

Syn:

muster

PHRASAL VERB

Gather up means the same as gather.

Also V n P V P n (not pron) She was gathering up her courage to approach him when he called to her.

6) VERB You use gather in expressions such as `I gather' and `as far as I can gather' to introduce information that you have found out, especially when you have found it out in an indirect way.

[V that] I gather his report is highly critical of the trial judge...

[V n] `He speaks English,' she said to Graham. `I gathered that.'...

[V n] From what I could gather, he was trying to raise money by organising festivals.

7) VERB If you gather fabric or cloth, you make a row of very small folds in it by sewing a thread through it and then pulling the thread tight.

[V n] Gather the skirt at the waist.

8) to gather dust → see dust

Phrasal Verbs:

- gather up