accumulate Definition
- 1to gradually gather or collect something over time
- 2to increase in quantity or size over time
Using accumulate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "accumulate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She has accumulated a lot of wealth over the years.
Example
Dust had accumulated on the shelves.
Example
The snow continued to accumulate throughout the day.
accumulate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with accumulate
to earn interest on an investment over time
Example
If you leave your money in the bank, it will accumulate interest.
to gather evidence over time to support a particular claim or argument
Example
The detective worked hard to accumulate evidence against the suspect.
to gain knowledge or skill through repeated practice or exposure to a particular activity or situation
Example
As a teacher, she has accumulated a lot of experience working with children.
Origins of accumulate
from Latin 'ac-' meaning 'to' + 'cumulare' meaning 'heap up'
Summary: accumulate in Brief
To 'accumulate' [əˈkjuːmjʊleɪt] means to gradually gather or collect something over time, or to increase in quantity or size over time. It can refer to the gathering of wealth, as in 'She has accumulated a lot of wealth over the years,' or the gradual buildup of dust or snow, as in 'Dust had accumulated on the shelves' and 'The snow continued to accumulate throughout the day.' Phrases like 'accumulate interest' and 'accumulate experience' use 'accumulate' to denote the gradual buildup of something over time.
