What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accretive
Example
The company's accretive growth strategy has resulted in a steady increase in revenue. [accretive: adjective]
Example
The accretive nature of the project allowed for the gradual expansion of the business. [accretive: noun]
cumulative
Example
The cumulative effect of years of neglect resulted in the building's eventual collapse. [cumulative: adjective]
Example
The cumulative impact of climate change is becoming increasingly evident. [cumulative: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cumulative is more commonly used than accretive in everyday language. Cumulative is a more general term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while accretive is more specific and often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between accretive and cumulative?
Both accretive and cumulative can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, accretive is more commonly used in technical or specialized fields, which may make it sound more formal in certain contexts.
