Reunion vs. Gathering — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Published on October 10, 2023
A reunion is a meeting of individuals after separation, often after a long period, while a gathering is a generic assembly or collection of people or things.
Difference Between Reunion and Gathering
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A reunion typically carries an emotional undertone and implies that those involved have a shared history, often indicating that they've been apart for some time. It's a coming together of individuals, like family members, classmates, or old friends, after a significant period of absence. The essence of a reunion lies in reconnection, rekindling bonds, and reminiscing about the past.
On the other hand, a gathering can be any assembly or collection of individuals, irrespective of their past relationship or the duration since their last meeting. It is a broader term that encompasses any situation where people or things come together. A gathering could be spontaneous, like a group of friends deciding to meet up, or planned, like a conference or a party.
While reunions have a central theme of reconnection, gatherings do not necessarily rely on a shared past. A gathering might have a purpose, like discussing a topic or celebrating an occasion, but it doesn't inherently imply a reestablishment of old connections. A reunion, in its very definition, indicates a sense of return or coming back together.
To encapsulate, while both reunion and gathering involve coming together, the former emphasizes a reconnection with a shared past, while the latter is a more general term for any assembly or meeting of individuals.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Meeting after a period of separation.
A generic assembly of people or things.
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Emotional Undertone
Often carries emotional significance.
Not necessarily emotional.
Previous Connection
Implies a shared history or past.
Doesn't require a shared past.
Purpose
To reconnect and reminisce.
Any purpose, from casual to formal events.
Frequency
Typically infrequent due to the element of time.
Can be frequent or infrequent.
Compare with Definitions
Reunion
Meeting of members with a shared past.
The war veterans held a reunion to honor their service.
Gathering
An event where multiple entities come together.
The annual gathering of enthusiasts was a grand affair.
Reunion
An event or situation that facilitates reconnection.
The island became the reunion point for the separated family.
Gathering
A congregation for a particular purpose.
The gathering aimed to raise funds for the local hospital.
Reunion
A gathering of individuals after a separation.
Our high school reunion was a trip down memory lane.
Gathering
A casual or formal assembly of people.
The gathering at the park was for a community picnic.
Reunion
A reconnection with previously known individuals.
The band had a reunion tour after a decade of hiatus.
Gathering
The action of one that gathers.
Reunion
The act of coming together after a period apart.
The reunion of the long-lost siblings was emotional.
Gathering
That which is gathered or amassed; a collection or accumulation.
Reunion
The act of reuniting.
Gathering
An assembly of persons; a meeting.
Reunion
The state of being reunited.
Gathering
The collecting of food that grows wild, such as berries, roots, and grains.
Reunion
A gathering of the members of a group who have been separated
A high school reunion.
Gathering
A gather in cloth.
Reunion
The process or act of reuniting.
The reunion took forever, but it was worth it.
It was a tearful and heartfelt reunion as the trapped miners finally saw their dear loved ones again.
Gathering
A suppurated swelling; a boil or abscess.
Reunion
A planned event at which members of a dispersed group meet together.
Are you going to the high-school reunion this year?
Gathering
A meeting or get-together; a party or social function.
I met her at a gathering of engineers and scientists.
Reunion
A second union; union formed anew after separation, secession, or discord; as, a reunion of parts or particles of matter; a reunion of parties or sects.
Gathering
A group of people or things.
A gathering of fruit.
Reunion
An assembling of persons who have been separated, as of a family, or the members of a disbanded regiment; an assembly so composed.
Gathering
(bookbinding) A section, a group of bifolios, or sheets of paper, stacked together and folded in half.
This gathering machine forms the backbone of a bookbinding operation.
Reunion
A party of former associates who have come together again
Gathering
A charitable contribution; a collection.
Reunion
The act of coming together again;
Monetary unification precipitated the reunification of the German state in October 1990
Gathering
(uncountable) The collection of produce, items, goods, etc.; the practice of collecting food from nature.
Gathering
(medicine) A tumor or boil suppurated or maturated; an abscess.
Gathering
Present participle of gather
Gathering
That gathers together.
She was worried by the gathering stormclouds.
Gathering
The act of collecting or bringing together.
Gathering
That which is gathered, collected, or brought together
Gathering
Assembling; collecting; used for gathering or concentrating.
Gathering
A group of persons together in one place
Gathering
The social act of assembling;
They demanded the right of assembly
Gathering
The act of gathering something
Gathering
Sewing consisting of small folds or puckers made by pulling tight a thread in a line of stitching
Gathering
Accumulating and becoming more intense;
The deepening gloom
Felt a deepening love
The gathering darkness
The thickening dusk
Gathering
A meeting or get-together of individuals.
The town hall had a gathering to discuss local issues.
Common Curiosities
Can a business meeting be termed a gathering?
Yes, business meetings can be considered a type of gathering.
Can any meet-up be called a reunion?
No, reunions imply meeting after a long separation with a shared history.
Is every reunion a gathering?
Yes, every reunion is a form of gathering, but not vice versa.
Is the term reunion exclusive to people?
Typically, yes. But it can metaphorically apply to objects or concepts rejoining.
What might be a casual form of gathering?
A casual meet-up of friends at a café can be a casual gathering.
What's the primary sentiment behind reunions?
Reunions emphasize reconnection, reminiscence, and shared past experiences.
Is duration essential in defining a reunion?
Often yes, reunions usually imply a significant time has passed since the last meeting.
Can a conference be termed as a gathering?
Yes, a conference is a formal type of gathering.
Does a gathering always need a purpose?
Not always. While many gatherings have purposes, some can be spontaneous without a specific reason.
Which term is broader, reunion or gathering?
Gathering is broader, encompassing any assembly of people or things.
How are gatherings different in various cultures?
Gatherings' nature and purpose can vary based on cultural norms, traditions, and values.
Can a reunion be spontaneous?
While reunions are generally planned, unexpected encounters after long separations can be spontaneous reunions.
Can reunions happen frequently?
Typically, reunions are infrequent due to their nature of reconnection after long durations.
Is every family get-together a reunion?
Not necessarily. It's only a reunion if there's been a significant time or emotional distance since the last meeting.
Can gatherings be virtual?
Yes, in modern times, online or virtual gatherings have become common.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
