gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.
a crowd quickly gathered
collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.
collected books on gardening
assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.
experts assembled for a conference
congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle.
congregating under a shelter
Example Sentences
We'll need to assemble a list of songs for the concert. She assembled all of her old photos into three albums. Hundreds of notes and letters were assembled into a book. A team of scientists was assembled to study the problem. The U.S. Constitution gives people the right to assemble peacefully. A crowd had assembled in front of the courthouse during the trial. After dinner, the men would assemble in the living room to watch the game on TV. The club assembles once a month to discuss upcoming activities. Their father helped them assemble their new bicycles in the garage. The cars are assembled on an assembly line. See More
Recent Examples on the WebHer remarks followed a tour of the production line where workers assemble the all-electric F-150 Lightning truck. Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 8 Sep. 2022 The teenage workers help chop vegetables and prepare fruit and assemble meals for lunch. Leticia Miranda, NBC News, 27 Aug. 2022 Following the Artemis 1 launch scheduled for next week, on subsequent missions NASA and its partners will send astronauts to explore the surface and assemble a station in lunar orbit. Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 25 Aug. 2022 Including tortas, tuna salad, and plenty more make-ahead and easy-to-assemble choices, our best school lunch ideas will keep your kids happy. Joe Sevier, Bon Appétit, 23 Aug. 2022 Regional officials expect about 7,000 trades workers will help assemble the facility over the next few years, straining the local labor pool. Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2022 Beijing did nothing that might affect the flow of processor chips from Taiwan that are needed by Chinese factories that assemble the world’s smartphones and consumer electronics.BostonGlobe.com, 18 Aug. 2022 Pack these items separately so your child can assemble the pizzas at school. Robin Miller, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2022 As for Team USA, Trout has been helping assemble that roster, which so far includes Bryce Harper, Nolan Arenado, J.T. Realmuto and Trevor Story. Sarah Valenzuela, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French assembler, from Vulgar Latin *assimulare, from Latin ad- + simul together — more at same