Collector

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

British English: /kəˈlɛk.tə/

American English: /kəˈlɛk.tɚ/

Definitions

1. A person who collects objects as a hobby or for study.
2. A person who is responsible for gathering payments, taxes, or donations.
3. A device or system designed to gather and store a particular resource, such as solar energy.

Usage Examples

• The antique collector spent years acquiring rare stamps.
• A tax collector visited the village to gather dues.
• The solar collector on the roof converts sunlight into energy.

Etymology

Derived from Latin collector, from collegere ("to gather, collect"). First used in Middle English around the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Gatherer
• Curator
• Accumlator
• Receiver

Antonyms

• Disperser
• Donor
• Giver
• Distributor

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

British English: /kəˈlɛk.tə/

American English: /kəˈlɛk.tɚ/

Australian English: /kəˈlɛk.tə/

Historical Usage

The term collector has been used since medieval times to refer to officials gathering taxes or church donations. Over time, it evolved to include individuals gathering rare items as a hobby.

Cultural Nuances

The word collector can have different connotations in different cultures. In some, it is associated with high-status hobbies, such as art collecting, while in others, it refers primarily to debt collection.

More Information

Throughout history, collectors have played a crucial role in preserving art, rare books, and historical artifacts. Museums worldwide have benefitted from private collectors donating their treasures for public appreciation.