accumulate

Pronunciation: /əˈkjuːmjəleɪt/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of accumulate

To gather or collect something gradually over time, often implying an increase in quantity or intensity.

Origin of accumulate

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: accumulare

Original meaning: to heap up

How it evolved: Initially used to describe the physical act of piling or gathering, the term evolved to include abstract accumulation, such as wealth or knowledge.

The word originates from the Latin 'accumulare,' meaning 'to heap up,' combining 'ad-' (to) and 'cumulus' (heap).

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember accumulate

Think of 'accumulate' as 'a-cue-multiply': imagine giving a cue for something to multiply or grow over time, like coins piling up in a jar.

Synonyms for accumulate

Antonyms of accumulate

accumulate in a Sentence

  1. Over the years, she managed to accumulate a wealth of knowledge on ancient civilizations through her relentless studies.
  2. The company was able to accumulate vast financial reserves by strategically cutting costs and expanding its market share.
  3. As the snow continued to fall, it began to accumulate on the rooftops and streets, creating a picturesque winter landscape.

accumulate in Literature & Culture

The idea of accumulation is a recurring theme in literature and speeches, often symbolizing the passage of time or the growth of wisdom, such as in Benjamin Franklin's writings on frugality.

Usage Notes

The word 'accumulate' often carries a neutral or positive connotation when referring to beneficial things (e.g., wealth, knowledge), but it can imply negativity if associated with excess or hoarding (e.g., debt, clutter).

Why accumulate Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears in GRE texts to describe processes involving gradual growth or collection, making it essential for understanding passages on economics, biology, or history.

Word Family

accumulation (noun)
The process or result of collecting or gathering over time.
accumulative (adjective)
Characterized by or resulting in gradual accumulation.
accumulator (noun)
A person or device that collects or gathers things.

Did You Know?

  • The concept of accumulation is central to many economic theories, including the idea of capital accumulation in capitalism.
  • The word 'accumulate' is often used metaphorically, as in 'accumulating experience' or 'accumulating memories.'
  • In computer science, an 'accumulator' is a register in a CPU used to collect intermediate results of calculations.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with A

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abhor — detest or regard with deep hatred
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable