Garner
/ˈɡɑːrnər/
verbB2
Definition
To garner means to get or gather something, especially things like attention, respect, or information. It often involves collecting these things carefully or slowly, not just quickly or by chance. People can garner support, awards, or knowledge by working for them.
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See It in Action
To collect or gather something, often over time
- •She garnered a lot of praise for her performance.
- •The author garnered many fans after publishing the book.
- •Scientists garnered data through months of experiments.
To earn or gain something, especially respect or approval
- •The politician garnered support from the community.
- •He garnered respect by helping others.
- •The film garnered several awards at the festival.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "garner" like "get," but it is more about collecting many pieces or earning something important over time.
- ✓Picture a farmer gathering crops into a big basket carefully, collecting bit by bit.
- ✓It's the feeling when you slowly earn respect from others because of your hard work.
- ✓Sounds like "garden" → imagine a garden where you gather (collect) fruits and flowers carefully.
- ✓Think of a story where a character gathers friends and allies before a big challenge.
- ✓NOT like "take" (which can be quick or forceful), "garner" is patient and careful collection.
- ✓NOT like "find" (which can be by chance), "garner" is active and intentional gathering.
- ✓NOT like "receive" (which is given to you), "garner" means you work to collect or earn it.
Try Other Words
- •Accumulate: to gather or build up over time (Use when emphasizing quantity increasing slowly)
- •Gather: to bring together or collect (Use in general contexts, less formal than garner)
- •Earn: to get something by effort or work (Use when focusing on gaining respect or rewards)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, root word "garner")
- •Etymology: From Old French "garnir," meaning to equip or to supply
- •Historical development: Originally meant to store or provide supplies, later extended to mean gathering or collecting things like information or support
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal or written English to describe collecting or earning important things like praise, support, or data
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of things in your life do you think you have garnered over time?
•How is garnering support different from simply asking for help?
Fill in the blanks
1.She worked hard to garner ___ from her teachers and classmates.
2.The company garnered valuable ___ through customer surveys.
3.Unlike quickly taking something, to garner means to ___ things carefully over time.
4.The politician hoped to garner enough ___ to win the election.
5.When you garner respect, it usually means people ___ it because of your actions.
6.Writers often garner inspiration from many different ___ before starting a book.
7.The team garnered support ___ the community after their big win.