verb
recollect
To gather again after scattering.
After the wind scatters her notes, she recollects the loose pages.
Etymology
The prefix adds again to gathering together. This literal sense describes bringing scattered people or things back into a group.
More examples
- We recollect the marbles that roll across the floor.
- The farmer recollects the sheep after they scatter.
- He recollected the game pieces after they spilled onto the rug.
Forms
recollect · recollects · recollected · recollecting
Similar words
- regather
- Also means gathering again, without emphasizing prior scattering.
- collect
- Means gathering things together, not necessarily after earlier scattering.