collection etymology

Etymology

The word "collection" originates from the Latin word "colligere," meaning "to gather together." It is derived from the root words "con" (meaning "with" or "together") and "legere" (meaning "to choose" or "to gather").

Meaning

A collection refers to a group of objects, items, or pieces that are gathered or assembled together. It can be a deliberate or accidental accumulation of things that share common characteristics, themes, or purposes.

Origin

The concept of a collection has been around for centuries, with evidence of humans gathering and collecting objects for various reasons. Some of the earliest known collections include:

  • Natural history collections: People have been collecting plants, animals, and other natural specimens for study and display for thousands of years.
  • Art collections: Wealthy individuals and institutions have amassed vast collections of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art since ancient times.
  • Coin and stamp collections: Collecting these items has been popular for centuries as a hobby and investment.
  • Library collections: The accumulation of books and written materials has been essential for preserving knowledge and culture throughout history.

In modern times, collections have become more diverse and specialized. People collect everything from comic books to vintage toys, from antique furniture to meteorites. Collections can serve different purposes, such as:

  • Education: Museums, libraries, and research institutions maintain collections for study and education.
  • Investment: Some collections can be valuable assets and provide financial returns.
  • Entertainment: Collecting can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby that provides personal satisfaction.
  • Preservation: Collections can help preserve cultural heritage, historical artifacts, and endangered species.

collection relate terms

  • collect

    Etymology The study of the origin and history of words Meaning The analysis of the mea

  • collected

    Etymology Origin Late Latin collectus past participle of colligere to collect gather

  • aggregation

    Etymology The word aggregation comes from the Latin word aggregare which means to a

  • accumulation

    Etymology Latin accumulare meaning to heap up pile up amass Variant of acervus

  • solicitation

    Etymology The word solicitation originates from the Latin word sollicitare meaning

  • anthology

    Etymology Anthology derives from the Greek word anthología which is a compound noun

  • discotheque

    Etymology Discotheque is a French word that derives from the Greek word diskos meanin

  • divan

    Etymology Middle English divān Old French divan Persian dīvān room containing a

  • mass

    Etymology The word mass has origins in multiple languages Latin missa meaning d

  • compendium

    Etymology Compend Middle French from Latin compendium from com together pender

  • exposition

    Etymology The word exposition comes from the Latin word expositio which means setti