Meaning & Definition of word "Accumulate"

Accumulate

/əˈkjuː.mjʊ.leɪt/

verb:

  • 1. to gather or collect, often in gradual degrees; heap up.
    • Example: Over the years, she managed to accumulate a vast collection of rare books.
  • 2. to increase in number or amount over time.
    • Example: As we save more money each month, we hope to accumulate enough for a down payment on a house.
  • 3. to gather or collect something in increasing amounts.
    • Example: The snow began to accumulate quickly, covering the ground in a thick white blanket.
  • 4. to amass over a period of time.
    • Example: Scientists have accumulated evidence to support their theory over several decades.

Etymology

from Latin 'accumulare', from 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'cumulare' meaning 'to heap up'

Common Phrases and Expressions

accumulate wealth:

to gradually gather financial resources or riches.

accumulated knowledge:

knowledge that has been gathered over time.

accumulate dust:

to collect dust on a surface due to lack of cleaning.

Related Words

accumulation:

the act of gathering or collecting over time.

accumulative:

relating to gradual increase or addition.

Slang Meanings of accumulate