English Lexicon

Collective

/kəˈlɛk.tɪv/
adjectivenounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #2150 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A group of individuals or entities considered as a single unit.

    "The collective of artists came together to showcase their work."
As adjective
  1. 1

    Relating to or shared by all members of a group.

    "They made a collective decision to support the initiative."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Late Latin collectivus, from the past participle stem of colligere (to gather together, assemble), formed from com- (together) + legere (to gather, select). Entering Middle English in the 15th century, the term initially pertained to grammatical collections before expanding to denote actions, responsibilities, and entities shared by a group.

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