ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gathered

v. · adj.
US //ˈɡæðɝd// UK //ɡˈæðəd// gath·ered
  1. 1 collected things (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to have brought things together into one place.

    the past tense of 'gather', indicating the completed action of collecting or accumulating items into a single location.

    Example

    She gathered all the fallen leaves into a large pile in the garden.

    Example

    The researchers gathered data from over five hundred participants before beginning the statistical analysis phase of the study.
  2. 2 people coming together (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to have met or come together in a group.

    the past tense of 'gather', referring to the assembly of individuals for a specific purpose or event.

    Example

    A small crowd gathered outside the shop to wait for the sale.

    Example

    The mourners gathered in the chapel, sharing quiet stories of the deceased while they waited for the service to commence.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 understood or inferred (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to have understood something based on the information you have.

    the past tense of 'gather', used to indicate a conclusion or inference drawn from available evidence.

    Example

    I gathered from his email that he wasn't very happy with the news.

    Example

    From the director's hesitant tone, the board gathered that the project was significantly behind schedule despite the optimistic reports.
  2. 4 fabric with folds (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes cloth that has been pulled together into small folds.

    describing fabric that has been drawn into small, regular folds by means of parallel threads.

    Example

    The dress had a gathered waist that made it look very elegant.

    Example

    The curtains featured a gathered heading, creating a soft drape that complemented the traditional decor of the drawing room.
  3. 5 spiritually focused (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Religion

    feeling a deep sense of calm and shared focus during a religious meeting.

    describing a state of shared spiritual focus or mysticism, particularly within a Quaker meeting for worship.

    Example

    The meeting felt very gathered as everyone sat in peaceful silence.

    Example

    The clerk noted that it was a deeply gathered meeting, where the silence felt heavy with a shared sense of the divine presence.

© 2026 English Reference