Gathering

Definition

Gathering typically refers to an assembly or meeting of people, or the act of collecting or bringing things together.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (present participle of "gather")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡæðərɪŋ/
• Respelling: GATH-uh-ring (with "GATH" as in "gather," "uh" as in "sofa," and "ring" as in "sing")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡæðərɪŋ/
• Respelling: GATH-uh-ring (with "GATH" as in "gather," "uh" as in "sofa," and "ring" as in "sing")

In both dialects, "gathering" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "GATH." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "GATH-uh-ring."

Etymology

Derived from the Old English word "gaderian", which means "to assemble" or "to bring together". Over time, the term has come to refer to both the action of collecting and the group that has been collected.

Derivatives

• Gather (verb)
• Gatherer (noun)
• Gathered (adjective)
• Gatherable (adjective)
• Gatherment (noun, archaic)

Synonyms

• Assembly
• Meeting
• Congregation

Antonyms

• Dispersion
• Scattering
• Separation

Usage

The term "gathering" is commonly used to describe events where people come together, such as parties, conferences, ceremonies, or casual get-togethers. It can also refer to the action of collecting things, such as data, resources, or harvests.

Related Terms

• Collect
• Assemble
• Reunion
• Rally
• Convention

Detailed Definition

Noun

• An Assembly of People: An event where individuals come together for a particular purpose, which can be social, cultural, religious, or professional.
  • Example: The family reunion was a joyous gathering of relatives from across the country.

• A Group of People Assembled: The collective term for the people who are present at such an event.
  • Example: A large gathering attended the town hall meeting to discuss local issues.

• The Act of Collecting: The process of bringing together or collecting items, information, or resources.
  • Example: The scientist focused on the gathering of data for the climate study.

Verb (Present Participle of Gather)

• The Act of Assembling or Collecting: Used to describe the ongoing process of bringing people or things together.
  • Example: She was gathering flowers in the garden for the bouquet.