collectively

Collectively is an English adverb meaning “as a group” or “together,” used to describe actions, decisions, or characteristics that involve all or most members of a group rather than individuals.

In usage, collectively often appears in formal, policy, or academic contexts. It implies coordination, consensus, or shared responsibility. Examples include: “The committee collectively approved the proposal” and “The residents collectively funded the park.” When the emphasis is on individual contributions or separable actions, other adverbs such as “individually” or “separately” are typically more appropriate.

Grammatically, collectively can modify the verb directly or follow the subject: “The team collectively decided to delay the launch” or “The team decided to delay the launch collectively.” In some cases, especially when the group is already clear from context, writers may omit it to keep sentences concise.

Etymology and form: collectively derives from the adjective collective, which comes from Latin collectīvus, from colligere “to gather.” The suffix -ly turns the adjective into an adverb.

See also: jointly, together, in concert; antonyms include individually, separately. Collectively is common in neutral, descriptive writing and often appears in discussions of group action, policy outcomes, and communal initiatives.