American English
/kʰəˈlɛk.təd̚/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of collect
Collected can be the past form or past participle of collect, and it can also be an adjective meaning calm and in control.
Someone collected separate things in one place or obtained information from different sources.
Collected has a short final syllable: /kʰəˈlɛk.tɪd̚/. Keep the main stress on the middle syllable.
Someone collected separate things in one place or obtained information from different sources.
We collected the papers from all the desks.
The survey collected information from 2,000 people.
Someone collected similar objects because they enjoyed them or wanted to build a set.
She collected postcards as a child.
He has collected coins for years.
Someone collected money that others owed or gave, or money raised for a purpose.
The charity collected $5,000 for the shelter.
The landlord collected the rent on Friday.
Someone collected something by going to a place and taking it because it was waiting there.
I collected my package from the post office.
She collected her prescription from the pharmacy.
In American English, picked up is often more natural for this meaning.
to organize your ideas so you can speak or decide clearly
Take a minute to collect your thoughts.
to become calm and ready to act after a shock or strong emotion
She paused to collect herself.
to remain unused for a long time and become dusty
The exercise bike is collecting dust.