English Explanatory Dictionary

congregate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To collect into an assembly or assemblage; to bring into one place, or into a united body.
  2. To come together; to assemble; to meet.
adj
  1. Congregated.
  2. Congregated (organized on a congregational basis).
  3. Collective; assembled; compact.
noun
  1. Assembled persons.

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒŋɡɹəɡeɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-congregate.wav /ˈkɒŋɡɹəɡət/

Word forms

congregate congregates congregating congregated more congregate most congregate

Etymology

The adjective is first attested in 1400–1450, in Middle English, the verb c. 1513; from Middle English congregat(e) (“(of people) banded together; (of liquids) accumulated; (of muscles) contracted; (of wounds) closed up”), borrowed from Latin congregātus, perfect passive participle of congregō (“to congregate”) (see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3), from con- (“with, together”) + gregō (“to collect into a flock”), from grex (“flock, herd”). See gregarious and egregious. Participial usage of the adjective up until Early Modern English.

Synonyms

amass assemble compact bring together gather mass aggregate bracket aggroup collect confer congregate gather up group herd round up team team up togetherize begather forgather congress crowd fall in with flock league meet meet up muster pack press thring throng thrutch

Related words

congregation

Derived words

congregative congregator recongregate uncongregated
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