collate

[ kuh-leyt, koh-, ko-, koh-leyt, kol-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, col·lat·ed, col·lat·ing.

1. to gather or arrange in their proper sequence (the pages of a report, the sheets of a book, the pages of several sets of copies, etc.).
2. Bookbinding. to verify the arrangement of (the gathered sheets of a book), usually by inspecting the signature at the foot of the first page of each sheet or the mark printed on the back of each sheet or on the spine of each signature.
3. to compare (texts, statements, etc.) in order to note points of agreement or disagreement.
4. Bibliography. to verify the number and order of the sheets of (a volume) as a means of determining its completeness.
5. Computers. to merge (sequenced data from two or more data sets or files) to produce a new sequenced data set or file.
6. Ecclesiastical. to present by collation, as to a benefice.

collate

/ kɒˈleɪt; kə- /

verb

1. to examine and compare (texts, statements, etc) in order to note points of agreement and disagreement
2. (in library work) to check the number and order of (the pages of a book)
3. bookbinding
   1. to check the sequence of (the sections of a book) after gathering
   2. a nontechnical word for gather
4. often foll by to Christianity to appoint (an incumbent) to a benefice

Other Words From

• col·lat·a·ble adjective
• col·la·tor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of collate¹

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin collātus “borne together,” past participle of conferre “to bear together,” from con- con- + ferre “to bear, bring, carry”; for the suppletive element -lātus, earlier tlātus (unrecorded), thole ², tolerate

Word History and Origins

Origin of collate¹

C16: from Latin collātus brought together (past participle of conferre to gather), from com- together + lātus, past participle of ferre to bring

Example Sentences

The article, which he says simply collated other people’s ideas, has attracted intense commentary on TV networks and among government officials.

From Fortune

The group “will be working with multiple departments to collate data to help identify the scope and magnitude of the gaps in collection,” she said.

From ProPublica

In Estonia, despite having multiple private health service providers, doctors can collate and visualize patient records whenever and wherever necessary, with consent from patients—a real boon in the country’s fight against coronavirus.

From Singularity Hub 

Implementing tools that collate and merge data from multiple sources — including PPC and SEO campaigns — will make collaboration easier.

From Search Engine Watch

He and his colleagues played short audio clips of coughing from apparently sick and healthy people collated from YouTube for over 200 volunteers, asking whether each cough was from someone who was ill or not.

From Science News

As a result, prisoners collect, collate, trade and secretly alter cassette tapes of their desired sounds, which are rap and R&B.

From The Daily Beast

No one can accuse Markram of failing to dream big: He plans to collate all neuroscientific data in one place.

From The Daily Beast

You file some papers, you collate some register, you sign your name or your initials to some documents.

From Project Gutenberg

With insistent fervour they implored one another to be careful, and to collate what had been copied.

From Project Gutenberg

Eventually, long before they really develop a stabilized ethic, someone's going to collate that whole mess.

From Project Gutenberg

He had only to collate the Alta and Tribune letters, edit them, and write such new matter as would be required for completeness.

From Project Gutenberg

But a scholar can only collate satisfactorily when he has sufficient means, and these demand much time and research.

From Project Gutenberg