French word

collectif

Pronunciation

IPA/kolɛktif/

Meaning

  • masculine noungroup

Example

Le collectif a organisé une réunion hier.

The group organized a meeting yesterday.

Illustration for collectif (group)

More examples

Ils ont formé un collectif de voisins pour nettoyer la rue.

They formed a collective of neighbors to clean the street.

Core concept

People acting together under a common purpose, forming a recognizable group without necessarily being an official association.

Common phrases

  • un collectif citoyen

    a collective of citizens

  • collectif de voisins

    a neighbors' collective

Similar words

groupe: Several people gathered together or regarded as a single unit.
équipe: People who divide roles and cooperate in a job or sport.
association: A formally established body formed for a common purpose.
communauté: People sharing a place, interests, or cultural background.

Definition in French

Ensemble de personnes liées par une action ou un intérêt commun, souvent désigné comme groupe ou association informelle.

Word origin

Collectif developed from Latin collectivus, built on collectus, "gathered," from the verb colligere, "gather together."

Usage tips

  • When used as an adjective, collectif agrees with the noun: collectif, collective, collectifs, or collectives.

Other meanings

  • collectivenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word