Accumulated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accumulated

[əˈkjuːmjʊleɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

finance

To gradually gather or acquire over time, typically in a financial context.

Synonyms

amass, collect, gather, stockpile.

Examples of usage

  • The company accumulated a large amount of debt over the years.
  • She accumulated a substantial amount of savings through careful investment.
  • We need to accumulate more data before drawing any conclusions.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To gather or pile up, especially in a gradual or steady way.

Synonyms

build up, collect, gather, pile up.

Examples of usage

  • Dust had accumulated on the shelves over the years.
  • Snow had accumulated on the roof, causing it to collapse.
  • He accumulated a vast collection of books over his lifetime.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Accumulated experiences, both positive and negative, can impact our behavior and decision-making processes.
  • Cognitive load theory suggests that accumulated knowledge can either help or hinder learning, depending on how well it's structured.
  • Emotional accumulation refers to how past experiences shape our present feelings and reactions.

Environment

  • Accumulated waste in ecosystems is a major environmental concern, affecting wildlife and natural resources.
  • Soil quality improves with accumulated organic matter, which feeds plants and supports healthy ecosystems.
  • In climate science, greenhouse gases have accumulated over decades, leading to global temperature changes.

Finance

  • In personal finance, accumulated savings can lead to greater investments and future financial security.
  • The concept of interest involves accumulated amounts over time, where money earns interest on principal amounts.
  • In investments, accumulated returns can significantly boost wealth through compound effects over years.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often reflect on their accumulated wisdom or regrets as a central theme.
  • Many authors use the idea of accumulated knowledge to develop characters' arcs and the narratives of growth.
  • Symbolically, physical accumulation in stories often mirrors emotional or relational growth in character development.

Origin of 'accumulated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'accumulare,' which means 'to heap up' or 'to pile together.'
  • It was used in the English language by the late 15th century, often in financial contexts discussing wealth.
  • The prefix 'ac-' means 'toward,' and 'cumulo-' refers to a 'heap,' combining to convey the idea of building up.

The word 'accumulate' comes from the Latin word 'accumulatus', which is the past participle of 'accumulare', meaning 'to heap up'. The concept of accumulation has been present throughout history, with societies and individuals accumulating wealth, possessions, and knowledge. The term is commonly used in financial contexts to describe the gradual gathering of assets or resources.


See also: accumulating, accumulation, accumulator.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,553, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.