What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accrete
Example
The coral reef has been accreting for centuries. [accreting: verb]
Example
The river delta is formed by the accretion of sediment. [accretion: noun]
accumulate
Example
She has accumulated a large collection of books over the years. [accumulated: past participle]
Example
The snow continued to accumulate throughout the night. [accumulate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accumulate is more commonly used than accrete in everyday language. Accumulate is a more general term that covers a wide range of contexts, while accrete is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accrete and accumulate?
Accrete is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its technical usage, while accumulate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
