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

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, 4 Oct. 2024

Since there are so few walls, surfaces and pieces of furniture in the intimate place, every single element was carefully considered to feel layered in a collected vintage style inspired in part by Vowels’s grandmother. —Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2024

Hanging onto antique pieces will create a collected and intentional look in your home that will not fade with passing trends. —Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024

Parry died in 2018, leaving behind all of his collected files, including 23 gigabytes of documents. —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 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