The family gathered around the dinner table.

Meaning: People who are related to each other came together in a circle at the table to eat.

Choice of Words: Family is a group of people related by blood or marriage, gathered means came together in one place, around means in a circle or on all sides of something, and dinner table is a table where people eat dinner.

Alternative Expressions

The family assembled at the dinner table.

Meaning: This means the same as the first sentence. The members of the family came together and sat down at the table to eat dinner.

Choice of Words: Assembled is a synonym of gathered, meaning to come together or to gather. Dinner is a meal that is typically eaten in the evening. Table is a piece of furniture that is used for eating or working at.

The family came together at the table for dinner.

Meaning: This means the same as the first two sentences. The members of the family came together and sat down at the table to eat dinner.

Choice of Words: Came together is a synonym of gathered and assembled, meaning to come together or to gather. Table is a piece of furniture that is used for eating or working at. Dinner is a meal that is typically eaten in the evening.

Related Expressions