congregating

Everyday

1. Congregating means gathering together in a group or crowd in one place. tree →
2. (church) People congregating in a church are coming together to worship; the group is a «congregation». tree →

In the lessons

Used in science (animals congregating at a waterhole), in stories and in rules («No congregating in the corridor»). It tells the reader that many people or animals are coming together. Phrases: «congregating around», «congregating outside».

Examples

• Birds were congregating on the telephone wires before flying south. tree →
• Pupils were congregating near the school gates. tree →
• Penguins are congregating on the ice to keep warm. tree →
• People were congregating outside the church for the wedding. tree →
• Fans are congregating in the square before the match. tree →
• Please stop congregating in the doorway. tree →

Note

Base verb «congregate»; past «congregated». Noun «congregation» (the people in a church service, or a gathering). A formal word; everyday: «gathering», «crowding». Stress: CON-gre-gate.