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

However, the collected samples showed less hydrogen ions than usual, making the rain more basic than expected. —Kasha Patel, Washington Post, 19 June 2024

Knight also owned a first edition of Paradise Lost and a 1697 first edition of Milton's collected prose. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 15 May 2024

And the system helped bring money to the city when the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District started turning the collected biosolids into Milorganite, a fertilizer, one year later. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024

Varying different sizes, shapes, and finishes creates a collected look that levels up your lighting. —Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

collected

adjective

col·​lect·​ed kə-ˈlek-təd 

: being calm and in control of oneself

collectedly adverb

collectedness noun