collection

collection

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Pronunciation

/kəˈlɛkʃən/.

• First Syllable: /kə/

• /k/: voiceless velar stop (like the "k" in "cat")

• /ə/: schwa, a weak, unstressed vowel sound (like the "a" in "about")

• Second Syllable: /ˈlɛk/

• /l/: voiced alveolar lateral approximant (like the "l" in "light")

• /ɛ/: open-mid front unrounded vowel (like the "e" in "bed")

• /k/: voiceless velar stop (like the "k" in "kick")

• Third Syllable: /ʃən/

• /ʃ/: voiceless post-alveolar fricative (like the "sh" in "she")

• /ən/: syllabic /n/, a nasal sound that forms its own syllable (like the "on" in "button" or the "en" in "garden")

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Word Form Variations

Noun Forms:

• Singular: collection (e.g., "I have a collection of stamps.")

• Plural: collections (e.g., "She has several collections of vintage postcards.")

Verb Forms (related to the act of collecting):

The verb from which "collection" is derived is collect.

• Base Form/Infinitive: collect (e.g., "They collect rare coins.")

• Third-person singular present: collects (e.g., "He collects antique toys.")

• Past Tense: collected (e.g., "We collected all the data.")

• Past Participle: collected (e.g., "The money has been collected.")

• Present Participle/Gerund: collecting (e.g., "She is collecting signatures for a petition." / "Collecting art is her passion.")

Other Related Forms:

• Agent Noun: collector (a person who collects, e.g., "He's a keen stamp collector.")

• Adjective: collective (referring to a group or something done by a group, e.g., "a collective effort," "collective responsibility.")

• Adverb:collectively (in a collective manner, e.g., "They decided collectively.")

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun Definitions:

1. A group of items gathered or accumulated for a specific purpose or as a hobby.

• Synonyms: assortment, accumulation, compilation, trove, array, hoard, stock

• Antonyms: dispersal, scattering, individual item, single unit

2. The act or process of gathering items, information, or funds from various sources.

• Synonyms: gathering, compiling, accumulation, assembly, amassing, procurement, fundraising

• Antonyms: distribution, dissemination, dispersal, expenditure, payment

3. A set of garments or designs presented by a fashion designer for a particular season.

• Synonyms: line, range, array, series, showcase

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific sense; perhaps "individual piece" or "separate item" if contrasting with the grouped nature.)

4. A body of money or payments that have been received.

• Synonyms: receipts, takings, proceeds, income, revenue, earnings

• Antonyms: outgoings, expenditures, disbursements, payments

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "His vast collection of first-edition novels filled an entire room, a testament to years of dedicated searching." (From a fictional novel, unspecified title)

• "The museum's new collection features ancient Egyptian artifacts never before seen by the public." (From an art history textbook, unspecified title)

Newspapers:

• "The city council approved a new waste collection schedule, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact." (Nairobi Star, July 1, 2025)

• "Local charities are organizing a food collection drive next week to support families affected by the recent floods." (Daily Nation, June 28, 2025)

Online Publications:

• "Gucci unveiled its latest resort collection, featuring vibrant colors and bold patterns, during a virtual fashion show." (Vogue.com, June 15, 2025)

• "We've curated a collection of the best productivity apps to help you stay organized and efficient." (Lifehacker.com, May 20, 2025)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Music Album Title: "Greatest Hits Collection" (Common album title for compilations of an artist's popular songs, e.g., Michael Jackson's Number Ones Collection)

• Video Game: "Players must complete various quests to build their collection of rare weapons and armor." (From a game review on IGN.com for an RPG, unspecified title)

• Streaming Service Category: "New Release Collection" (A common category or playlist title on platforms like Netflix or Spotify, e.g., "Netflix: New Release Collection - Movies & TV Shows")

• YouTube Channel: "Our channel features a collection of DIY home improvement videos, from minor repairs to major renovations." (From the "About" section of a YouTube channel, e.g., "Home Reno Hub")

General Public Discourse:

• "I need to make a quick collection from the dry cleaner before they close." (Spoken conversation)

• "The art gallery is hosting a private viewing of their new collection next month." (Announcement at a community event)

• "That new clothing line has a really diverse collection for all body types." (Casual conversation about fashion)

• "We're doing a collection at work to buy a retirement gift for Sarah." (Email or workplace discussion)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Collection

1. "The private life of a man is a collection of secrets, some of which he shares, some of which he conceals." (Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood)

2. "A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life." (Henry Ward Beecher - While not explicitly using "collection," this alludes to a collection of books.)

3. "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." (Thomas Merton - Often used in the context of appreciating a collection of art.)

4. "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening." (Coco Chanel - This quote often precedes discussions of a designer's "collection.")

5. "Every man's memory is his private literature." (Aldous Huxley - Metaphorically, memory is a collection of experiences and thoughts.)

6. "We are a collection of what we have done, what we have said, and what we have thought." (Buddha - A lesser-known but profound quote.)

7. "Books are a uniquely portable magic." (Stephen King - Refers to the collective power of a collection of books.)

8. "My life is a constantly expanding collection of happy accidents." (Unknown - An insightful, perhaps less famous, but relevant quote.)

9. "The greatest collection of human knowledge is useless if it's not shared." (Original quote, reflecting the purpose of libraries/collections)

10. "Our personal identity is nothing but a collection of mental impressions and ideas." (David Hume, A Treatise of Human Nature)

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Etymology

The word "collection" has a rich history that traces back to ancient languages. It essentially means "a gathering" or "a bringing together."

Here's how it evolved:

• Ancient Roots (Latin): The journey of "collection" starts with the Latin verb "colligere." This word is made up of two parts:

• "col-" (a form of "com-"), meaning "together" or "with."

• "legere," which had several meanings, including "to gather," "to pick out," or "to choose."
  So, "colligere" literally meant "to gather together."

• Latin Noun (collectiō): From "colligere," the Latin noun "collectiō" was formed. This noun described the act of bringing things together or the result of that action – essentially, a "gathering" or "accumulation." It could even refer to an assembly of people.

• Old French Connection (collection): This Latin "collectiō" then made its way into Old French as "collection" (or sometimes "cueçon"). In Old French, it kept the meaning of "a gathering" or "an accumulation," and was also used to describe things like an abscess or tumor (where matter "gathers").

• First Use in English (Middle English): The English word "collection" was borrowed from this Old French term. Its first known use in English was before 1387, appearing in the Middle English period. At that time, its primary meaning was "the act of gathering or accumulating" or "a quantity gathered."

So, in simple terms, "collection" came into English from Old French, which got it from Latin. It's always been about the idea of bringing things "together" or "gathering" them up, whether it's objects, people, or even ideas

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Collection

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "collection," or related concepts when direct idioms are scarce:

Phrases & Idioms with "Collection":

1. Debt collection: The process of pursuing payments of debts owed by individuals or businesses.

2. Tax collection: The system by which a government gathers revenue from taxes.

3. Data collection: The process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables.

4. Garbage/Waste collection: The organized process of picking up and disposing of refuse.

5. Art collection: A compilation of artworks, often owned by an individual or institution.

6. Stamp collection: A hobby involving the gathering of postage stamps.

7. Private collection: A collection owned by an individual rather than a public institution.

8. In a class of its own collection: (Original phrase) Suggests a collection that is uniquely superior.

9. A motley collection: A varied and disparate group of items.

10. A fine collection: A high-quality or impressive assortment of items.

Idioms with Synonyms/Similar Concepts (for similar effect):

1. To gather dust: To remain unused for a long time (implies an item is part of a collection but not being enjoyed).

2. To hoard away: To accumulate and store a large quantity of something, often secretly.

3. To amass a fortune: To accumulate a large amount of wealth.

4. To round up the usual suspects: To gather a familiar group of people (from Casablanca).

5. To bring together: The fundamental action of forming a collection.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of collection from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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