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I was wondering what the actual difference between these two expressions is, since I recently read about "collecting mushrooms" but also about "gathering berries". Is there even any?

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    I would like to collect my car from the repair shop.
    – Blessed Geek
    Commented Aug 5, 2014 at 2:18

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There is a large overlap for the usual senses (avoiding say the sense 'I gather you're going out with Jim). But not, as is ever the situation, a complete overlap.

I'd say that 'collect' has more of an 'into a nice, complete, well-arranged set' connotation, from the noun 'collection' which is often used for stamps, tea-cards, postcards, teapots ...

'Gather' has more the 'into a pile in a basket' flavour. I'd use it for both berries and mushrooms (unless I were collecting specimens).

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Good question. There is a large area of overlap. Gather has the sense of bringing together in one place while collecting refers to picking up in sequence. You can gather 'round the Christmas tree or attend a family gathering. In dressmaking, gathering refers to a bunching together of fabric. You would collect a number of individuals by car destined for the same location. You could, however, both gather or collect your senses or wits. If I say, "Gather your things, we have to leave," the emphasis is on getting them all together. If I say "Collect your things" the emphasis is on going and finding them one by one, at least to my thinking. It's a subtle difference, and in many cases they are interchangeable.

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