These words all mean to get more of sth over a period of time, or to increase in quantity over a period of time. 以上各词均含收集、聚积、积累之义。

• collect to bring things or information together from different people or places; to gradually increase in amount in a place 指收集、采集、聚积、积累：◆We've been collecting data from various sources. 我们一直从各种渠道收集资料。◆Dirt had collected in the corners of the room. 房间的角落里积满了灰尘。 NOTE People sometimes collect things of a particular type as a hobby. 作为爱好收藏物品用 collect：◆to collect stamps 集邮
• gather to bring things together that have been spread around; to collect information from different sources 指收拢、归拢（分散的东西），搜集、收集（情报）：◆I waited while he gathered up his papers. 他整理文件时我就在一旁等待。◆Detectives have spent months gathering evidence. 侦探花了数月时间搜集证据。

collect or gather? 用 collect 还是 gather？

Both collect and gather can be used in the same way to talk about bringing together data, information or evidence. When talking about things, gather is used with words like things, belongings or papers when the things are spread around within a short distance. Collect is used for getting examples of sth from different people or places that are physically separated. * collect 和 gather 均可指收集资料、情报或证据。将分散在附近的东西、财物或文件收拢用 gather；从不同的人或分散的地方收集样品用 collect。

• accumulate (rather formal) to gradually get more and more of sth over a period of time; to gradually increase in number or quantity over a period of time 指积累、聚积，（数量）逐渐增加：◆I seem to have accumulated a lot of books. 我好像已经积存了很多书。◆Debts began to accumulate. 债务开始增加。
• amass (rather formal) to collect sth in large quantities, especially money, debts or information 指大量积累、积聚（尤指金钱、债务或情报）：◆He amassed a fortune from silver mining. 他靠开采银矿积累了一笔财富。

Patterns

• to collect/gather/accumulate/amass data/evidence/information
• to accumulate/amass a fortune/debts
• dirt/dust/debris collects/accumulates
• to gradually/slowly collect/gather/accumulate (sth)