The spelling of the word "collective" may trip up some people as it contains a combination of consonants that don't usually appear together in English. The first syllable is pronounced "kuh-" (represented by the IPA symbol /kə/), and the next two are "lek-" (/lɛk/). The "-tiv" ending is pronounced "tiv" (/tɪv/), with a short "i" sound instead of a long "i" as in "live." The word refers to a group or society working towards a common goal.
The term "collective" refers to a group or entity formed by the combination or collaboration of individuals or things. It embodies the essence of working together towards a common purpose or goal. The collective can be comprised of people, objects, ideas, or any other form of entity that comes together to create a unified whole.
In a social context, a collective refers to a group of individuals who share similar interests, beliefs, or goals, and collaborate to achieve mutual objectives. They pool their resources, knowledge, and efforts to address challenges, solve problems, or bring about social, political, or economic changes. This collective approach often enables them to amplify their impact and influence.
From an economic perspective, the concept of a collective is seen in the form of co-operatives or trade unions, wherein individuals come together to collectively protect their interests, negotiate better terms, and improve their working conditions. These collectives empower individuals by providing them with a platform to collectively voice their concerns and demands.
The term "collective" can also be extended to artistic or creative endeavors, where it refers to a group of artists, musicians, or performers who collaborate to produce works of art, music, or theater. By combining their talents and skills, these collectives create unique and meaningful expressions that are often a result of diverse perspectives and influences.
Overall, the term "collective" represents the power of unity and collaboration, showcasing the potential for individuals or entities to achieve more when they work together towards a shared vision or purpose.
Gathered into a mass, sum, or body; aggregate; expressing a number or multitude united as one.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word collective comes from the Latin word collectivus, which is the past participle form of the verb collegere. The Latin word collegere is a combination of the prefix com- (meaning together or with) and the verb legere (meaning to gather or to choose). Therefore, the etymology of collective suggests its meaning of a group or an entity formed by gathering or bringing together.