gather
UK: ˈɡæðə | US: ˈɡæðər
vt. to bring together; to collect or accumulate
vi. to come together; to assemble
n. an act or instance of gathering
The word "gather" traces back to Old English gaderian, meaning "to unite, bring together." It shares roots with Old Norse gaddr ("spike," suggesting a tool for collecting) and Proto-Germanic gadurōną ("to assemble"). The core idea revolves around drawing things into one place, whether physically (e.g., crops) or socially (e.g., people). The suffix -er reinforces its verbal action. Over time, "gather" expanded from literal collection (e.g., harvests) to abstract meanings like "infer" (gathering ideas).
She paused to gather her thoughts before speaking.
Birds gather in large flocks during migration.
We’ll gather at the park for the picnic.
The detective tried to gather evidence from the scene.
Farmers gather the wheat in late summer.