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collectif
/kɔ.lɛk.tif/
collective
Un effort collectif est nécessaire pour résoudre ce problème.
A collective effort is needed to solve this problem.
general
Relating to a group or shared by members of a group
Le travail collectif produit de meilleurs résultats.
Collective work produces better results.
Ils ont créé une entreprise à but collectif.
They created a collective-purpose company.
Often used to describe actions, decisions, or ownership shared by a group.
Law
formal
In law, a legal entity representing a group of individuals
Le collectif des actionnaires a voté contre la fusion.
The shareholders' collective voted against the merger.
Refers to an association or group with legal standing.
Collocations
travail collectifcollective workesprit collectifcollective spiritresponsabilité collectivecollective responsibility
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid literal translations
In English, 'collective' often implies a group effort or shared ownership, not just the act of gathering. For example, 'une décision collective' is 'a collective decision,' not 'a gathered decision.'
Gold Rule
Adjective agreement
As an adjective, 'collectif' agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., *une action collective*, *des efforts collectifs*).
Word Origin
From Latin *collectivus*, derived from *collectus* (gathered together), past participle of *colligere* (to collect).
Usage Notes
Used as both an adjective and a noun in French (e.g., *un collectif* = a collective/group). In English, it is primarily an adjective unless referring to a specific group (e.g., *a workers' collective*).
Word Breakdown
col-
together
prefix-lect-
to gather
root-if
adjective-forming suffix
suffixDictionnaire Français-Anglais