Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

English (US): /kəˈlɛktɪv/

English (UK): /kəˈlɛktɪv/

Definitions

1. (Adjective) Done by or involving all members of a group.
2. (Adjective) Shared or assumed by all as a whole.
3. (Noun) A cooperative enterprise or organization owned and operated by a group.

Usage Examples

• The workers made a collective decision to strike.
• Our success is a result of our collective effort.
• She joined an artists' collective to promote her work.

Etymology

From Latin collectivus, from collectus (past participle of colligere, meaning "to gather together").

Synonyms

• Communal
• Shared
• Unified
• Cooperative

Antonyms

• Individual
• Independent
• Personal

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

British English: /kəˈlɛktɪv/

American English: /kəˈlɛktɪv/

Australian English: /kəˈlɛktɪv/

Historical Usage

The concept of collective ownership and decision-making has been significant in socialist and cooperative movements since the 19th century.

Cultural Nuances

Different cultures interpret the idea of a collective differently, with some emphasizing shared responsibility, while others see it as limiting individual autonomy.

More Information

A collective can refer to a political movement, a business model, or a community initiative. The term has been widely used in sociology, economics, and governance.