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
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Meeting after a period of separation.
A generic assembly of people or things.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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Emotional Undertone
Often carries emotional significance.
Not necessarily emotional.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Previous Connection
Implies a shared history or past.
Doesn't require a shared past.
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Oct 10, 2023
Purpose
To reconnect and reminisce.
Any purpose, from casual to formal events.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Frequency
Typically infrequent due to the element of time.
Can be frequent or infrequent.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Definitions
Reunion
Meeting of members with a shared past.
The war veterans held a reunion to honor their service.
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Oct 03, 2023
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Gathering
An event where multiple entities come together.
The annual gathering of enthusiasts was a grand affair.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Reunion
An event or situation that facilitates reconnection.
The island became the reunion point for the separated family.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Gathering
A congregation for a particular purpose.
The gathering aimed to raise funds for the local hospital.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Reunion
A gathering of individuals after a separation.
Our high school reunion was a trip down memory lane.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Gathering
A casual or formal assembly of people.
The gathering at the park was for a community picnic.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Reunion
A reconnection with previously known individuals.
The band had a reunion tour after a decade of hiatus.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Reunion
The act of coming together after a period apart.
The reunion of the long-lost siblings was emotional.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Gathering
The collecting of food that grows wild, such as berries, roots, and grains.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Reunion
A gathering of the members of a group who have been separated
A high school reunion.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Reunion
A planned event at which members of a dispersed group meet together.
Are you going to the high-school reunion this year?
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Gathering
A meeting or get-together; a party or social function.
I met her at a gathering of engineers and scientists.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Reunion
An assembling of persons who have been separated, as of a family, or the members of a disbanded regiment; an assembly so composed.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Reunion
The act of coming together again;
Monetary unification precipitated the reunification of the German state in October 1990
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Sep 29, 2023
Gathering
(uncountable) The collection of produce, items, goods, etc.; the practice of collecting food from nature.
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 29, 2023
Gathering
That gathers together.
She was worried by the gathering stormclouds.
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Sep 29, 2023
Gathering
Sewing consisting of small folds or puckers made by pulling tight a thread in a line of stitching
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Sep 29, 2023
Gathering
Accumulating and becoming more intense;
The deepening gloom
Felt a deepening love
The gathering darkness
The thickening dusk
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Sep 29, 2023
Gathering
A meeting or get-together of individuals.
The town hall had a gathering to discuss local issues.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Can a business meeting be termed a gathering?
Yes, business meetings can be considered a type of gathering.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Can any meet-up be called a reunion?
No, reunions imply meeting after a long separation with a shared history.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Is every reunion a gathering?
Yes, every reunion is a form of gathering, but not vice versa.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Is the term reunion exclusive to people?
Typically, yes. But it can metaphorically apply to objects or concepts rejoining.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
What might be a casual form of gathering?
A casual meet-up of friends at a café can be a casual gathering.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
What's the primary sentiment behind reunions?
Reunions emphasize reconnection, reminiscence, and shared past experiences.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Is duration essential in defining a reunion?
Often yes, reunions usually imply a significant time has passed since the last meeting.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Can a conference be termed as a gathering?
Yes, a conference is a formal type of gathering.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Does a gathering always need a purpose?
Not always. While many gatherings have purposes, some can be spontaneous without a specific reason.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Which term is broader, reunion or gathering?
Gathering is broader, encompassing any assembly of people or things.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
How are gatherings different in various cultures?
Gatherings' nature and purpose can vary based on cultural norms, traditions, and values.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Can a reunion be spontaneous?
While reunions are generally planned, unexpected encounters after long separations can be spontaneous reunions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Can reunions happen frequently?
Typically, reunions are infrequent due to their nature of reconnection after long durations.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Can gatherings be virtual?
Yes, in modern times, online or virtual gatherings have become common.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Author Spotlight
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 editor 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.
