What does together mean?
Together is a flexible word whose central idea is that people, things, or actions are associated with one another. It may indicate physical company, as in “we walked together,” shared participation, as in “they completed the work together,” or simultaneous occurrence, as in “the events happened together.” The word can also describe a group regarded as a single unit, as in “the volunteers acted together,” or a close partnership, as in “a together couple.” Its usefulness lies in its ability to convey connection efficiently: one word can suggest proximity, unity, cooperation, or timing according to context. Although usually an adverb, together also occurs attributively before nouns in expressions such as “together team” and “together couple.” In everyday English, it is often contrasted with apart, but its precise relationship to its surrounding words determines the intended sense.
In each other's company, in the same place, at the same time, or as a group.
"We met at the station and went to the exhibition together."
The exact sense depends on context: company, simultaneity, cooperation, and combination are all possible.
Joined, closely associated, or sharing a life or activity with another.
"They are a together couple who support one another through difficult times."
This attributive use is less frequent than the adverbial use and is especially associated with expressions such as “together couple” and “together team.”
The word’s past is hiding in plain sight: Old English “togæder” already joined the ideas of being in one place and happening at the same time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does together come from?
The modern word descends from Old English “togæder,” an inherited Germanic form meaning “in one place” or “at the same time.” Its second element is related to the root reflected in English “gather,” reflecting the word’s long association with joining and assembling. English “together” belongs to a broader Germanic family that includes Dutch “together” and German “zusammen,” while the current form became established in its familiar spelling during the modern period.
Related word forms
How together is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in both formal and informal contexts. Its meaning depends on the noun or clause with which it appears: it can describe physical proximity, shared action, simultaneity, or membership in the same group.
Easily confused with together
Together usually indicates that people or things are with one another or occurring at the same time, whereas altogether means entirely or in total.