Accumulate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to gradually increasing or building up something over time, especially in terms of data, resources, or wealth.

• He managed to accumulate a substantial amount of savings over the years.
• Dust will accumulate on the furniture if not cleaned regularly.

Often used in the context of gathering or collecting large quantities of valuable items, wealth or information. It implies a sense of strategic effort and often has a formal tone.

• She managed to amass a fortune through smart investments.
• He amasses knowledge from various fields to become a well-rounded individual.

Used when bringing together items, people, or information. It can imply a more casual or spontaneous process than 'collect'.

• The children gather flowers in the field.
• We need to gather enough evidence to support our case.

Typically used when gathering items, information, or data in an organized manner. It can refer to hobbies or systematic gathering.

• She likes to collect stamps from different countries.
• The scientist collects data for the ongoing research project.

Refers to accumulating a large reserve of goods, materials, or resources, often for future use or emergencies. This word can have a slightly negative connotation if it implies hoarding.

• They decided to stockpile food and water in case of a disaster.
• The company stockpiled supplies in anticipation of a price hike.

This is often used to describe the process of gradually acquiring more of something over a period of time. It can be used for both tangible and intangible items.

• She managed to accumulate a large amount of savings over the years.
• Dust tends to accumulate on the shelves if you don't clean regularly.

Used for bringing together people, items, or information, often in a more casual or informal manner compared to collect or compile.

• They gathered around the campfire to tell stories.
• She gathered flowers from the garden to make a bouquet.

Best used when referring to bringing together items from different places or sources, often with a sense of intentionality or purpose.

• She likes to collect stamps from various countries.
• They collected data from various research studies for their report.

Amass is used to describe the process of gathering or collecting large quantities of items or wealth, often implying effort or strategy.

• He managed to amass a vast fortune through shrewd investments.
• Over the years, the collector amass numerous valuable antiques.

This is suitable when bringing together information, documents, or data into a list, book, or database, often implying a more formal or organized process.

• The researcher compiled all the findings into a comprehensive report.
• The editor compiled a list of the most influential science books of the decade.