collect

"Collect" is a very common and useful English word. It works mainly as a verb, but you'll also see it used as an adjective/adverb in specific situations. It has around 4–5 common meanings, all connected to the idea of bringing things together or staying composed.

1verbgather objects over time

When you collect something, you find and keep many examples of it over a period of time — usually because you enjoy it or find it interesting. Think of it like building a personal treasure chest, one item at a time.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She has been collecting stamps since she was eight years old.

He collects vintage comic books and has over 500 of them.

My grandmother used to collect small ceramic figurines from every country she visited.

2verbpick up or fetch

You can use 'collect' to mean going somewhere to pick something — or someone — up. It's like saying you are going to get them and bring them back.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Can you collect the children from school today?

I need to collect my parcel from the post office.

He collected his dry cleaning on the way home from work.

3verbgather or accumulate (things or information)

This sense is about bringing many things together into one place — not necessarily as a hobby, but for a purpose. You might collect data, money, or signatures, for example.

everyday language, science, business · Modern, widely used

The researchers collected data from over 1,000 participants.

The charity is collecting donations for flood victims.

We need to collect everyone's signatures before we can submit the petition.

4verbfigurativecollect yourself (regain calm)

When you 'collect yourself', you take a moment to calm down and regain control of your thoughts or emotions after something stressful or surprising. Imagine pulling all your scattered feelings back together.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

She took a deep breath to collect herself before walking into the interview.

After the shock of the news, he needed a few minutes to collect his thoughts.

The speaker paused, collected herself, and continued with her presentation.

5adjectivecollect call (paid by the receiver)

In telephone language, a 'collect call' is a phone call where the person receiving the call pays for it, not the person making it. This is mostly used in American English and is less common now that mobile phones are everywhere.

telecommunications, American English · Less common today, but still understood

He made a collect call to his parents because he had no money.

The operator asked if I would accept a collect call from the prison.