gather
UK[ˈɡæðə(r)]US[ˈɡæðər]
v
To come together, or bring people or things together, in one place or group.
v
To collect or accumulate things gradually from different places.
v
To understand or conclude something from evidence or hints.
Etymology
The verb 'gather' originates from the Old English 'gaderian', meaning "to unite, join together, collect". This Old English term is related to 'gæd', meaning "fellowship, companionship", and is part of the wider Proto-Germanic family, seen in Old Frisian 'gaderia' and Middle Dutch 'gaderen'. The core semantic thread from its ancient roots is the concept of bringing or coming together into a close association or group. This fundamental idea of aggregation has evolved and specialized over time, extending from the physical act of collecting objects or people to the more abstract mental acts of collecting thoughts or drawing conclusions from scattered information.
Analysis
The word 'gather' is a simplex word derived from a single, tight Germanic root. Its core form has remained largely unchanged in English spelling and does not lend itself to segmentation into distinct, meaningful morphemes based on its modern English spelling.
Examples
The family will gather for a reunion this summer.
She gathered wildflowers from the meadow.
I gather from your tone that you're not happy with the decision.