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

• composed
• calm
• serene
• possessed
• peaceful

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

The collected data underscored that what’s played in public places doesn’t necessarily mirror what’s on the popular playlists or radio and streaming platforms. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 July 2025

Some aldermen, both at the committee meeting last month and at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, had concerns over how the collected data was being handled by the police department. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025

The researchers used the collected ear wax data to train an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system, technology that uses sensors to simulate the human sense of smell to detect and analyze VOCs. —Amy McGorry, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025

The wording of the notice suggests the collected data can be used much more broadly than past department data sets. —Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 24 June 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