Accumulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
accumulate
[ษหkjuหmjสหleษชt ]
Definitions
finance
To gradually collect or build up a large quantity of something, especially money or possessions.
Synonyms
amass, collect, gather, stockpile.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accumulate |
Used when referring to gradually increasing or building up something over time, especially in terms of data, resources, or wealth.
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| amass |
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.
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| gather |
Used when bringing together items, people, or information. It can imply a more casual or spontaneous process than 'collect'.
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| collect |
Typically used when gathering items, information, or data in an organized manner. It can refer to hobbies or systematic gathering.
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| stockpile |
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.
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Examples of usage
- She has been accumulating wealth for years.
- The company has accumulated a significant amount of debt.
knowledge
To gather together information or knowledge over time.
Synonyms
amass, collect, compile, gather.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| accumulate |
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.
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| gather |
Used for bringing together people, items, or information, often in a more casual or informal manner compared to collect or compile.
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| collect |
Best used when referring to bringing together items from different places or sources, often with a sense of intentionality or purpose.
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| amass |
Amass is used to describe the process of gathering or collecting large quantities of items or wealth, often implying effort or strategy.
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| compile |
This is suitable when bringing together information, documents, or data into a list, book, or database, often implying a more formal or organized process.
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Examples of usage
- He has accumulated a vast amount of knowledge on the subject.
- The library has accumulated a diverse collection of books.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In ecology, the accumulation of resources (like nutrients) in an ecosystem can impact its health and biodiversity.
- The law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can accumulate in different forms.
- In finance, an accumulated amount refers to the total of all deposits and interest earned over time.
Psychology
- The accumulation of experiences contributes significantly to personality development and cognitive growth.
- Cognitive overload can happen when too much information accumulates, making it hard to focus or remember.
- Positive memories that accumulate over time can enhance mental well-being and resilience.
Literature
- In many narratives, characters accumulate knowledge or resources as they progress, which often helps them overcome obstacles.
- The theme of accumulation can symbolize greed in classic literature, representing the desire for more than one needs.
- Poets might use the idea of accumulating elements in nature to convey change and evolution over time.
Pop Culture
- Movies often show characters accumulating wealth, love, or knowledge as they embark on personal journeys.
- Popular games encourage players to accumulate resources to build empires or defeat enemies.
- The concept of accumulating popularity and followers is a significant trend on social media platforms.
Origin of 'accumulate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'accumulare', meaning 'to heap up'.
- The prefix 'ad-' means 'to', and 'cumulare' means 'to pile up'. Combined, they suggest building a pile.
- First recorded use in English was around the late 15th century, reflecting the concept of gathering or collecting.
The word 'accumulate' comes from the Latin word 'accumulatus', which is the past participle of 'accumulare', meaning 'to heap up'. The word has been used in English since the 16th century, originally in the sense of 'to heap up'. Over time, it has evolved to encompass the idea of gradually collecting or amassing something. 'Accumulate' is a common word in finance, economics, and various other fields where the concept of gathering over time is relevant.