Colligere

colligere is a Latin verb that means to bring together, gather, or assemble. It is used in a variety of contexts to describe collecting objects, resources, information, or people, as well as the act of forming a group or compiling arguments and evidence. In classical Latin, the sense often centers on combining elements into a coherent whole, whether in military, legal, scholarly, or rhetorical settings.

Etymology and forms: colligere belongs to the Latin third conjugation and is typically analyzed as colligo, colligere, collegi, collectum in its principal parts. The word combines a prefix meaning “together” with a root related to binding or attaching, signaling the notion of bringing separate items into a single unit. Related nouns and adjectives developed from the same root, including collegium (an assembly, guild, or college) and collega (a partner or colleague).

Usage and derivatives: In addition to tangible gathering, colligere is used for abstract gathering such as data, testimonies, or ideas. English derivatives linked to the same root include collect, collection, and collegial, the last describing things pertaining to or shared by colleagues. The noun collegium denotes a body of persons assembled for a common purpose, and collegālis or collegial describes shared responsibilities or conduct within a group.

See also: collegium, collega, collega, collegial, collect, collection. The verb colligere thus underpins terms related to assembling people and things, forming groups, and compiling materials across Latin literature and into a broad family of modern words.