collected

adjective

col·​lect·​ed kə-ˈlek-təd 

1

: gathered together

the collected works of Scott

2

: possessed of calmness and composure often through concentrated effort

3

of a horse's gait : performed slowly and restrainedly with the animal's center of gravity toward the hindquarters compare extended

collectedly adverb

collectedness noun

Synonyms

• calm
• composed
• cool
• coolheaded
• equal
• level
• limpid
• peaceful
• placid
• possessed
• recollected
• sedate
• self-composed
• self-possessed
• serene
• smooth
• together
• tranquil
• undisturbed
• unperturbed
• unruffled
• unshaken
• untroubled
• unworried

Choose the Right Synonym for collected

cool, composed, collected, unruffled, imperturbable, nonchalant mean free from agitation or excitement.

cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness.

kept a cool head

composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition.

the composed pianist gave a flawless concert

collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis.

the nurse stayed calm and collected

unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement.

harried but unruffled

imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation.

the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling

nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern.

a nonchalant driver

Examples of collected in a Sentence

the collected works of Shakespeare

She seemed completely cool, calm, and collected during her speech.

Recent Examples on the Web

McKay, whose work is known for comfortable, collected environments, instinctively picked up on that direction and ran with it. —David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2025

The collected cans are recycled locally, where they’re traded in for market rate for the scrap aluminum. —Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2025

This enabled them to attach four wires to the sides of that cylinder in order to connect all the components: sensors, microcontroller, bluetooth modules, digital memory, battery, and an optical communication system that can send collected data wirelessly to a cell phone. —Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025

Also, finding one-of-a-kind art at the thrift is a great way to give a personal, collected look to your space. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of collect entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing collected

• calm, cool, and collected
• self-collected

Rhymes for collected

• affected
• bisected
• connected
• corrected
• defected
• deflected
• dejected
• detected
• directed
• dissected
• effected
• ejected

Kids Definition

collected

adjective

col·​lect·​ed kə-ˈlek-təd 

: being calm and in control of oneself

collectedly adverb

collectedness noun