Accumulating: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a gradual increase of something over time, often implying a build-up or piling up.

• Debt is accumulating due to overspending
• Over time, she is accumulating a substantial amount of savings

Typically implies gathering a large quantity of something, often with a connotation of great effort or difficulty.

• He is amassing a fortune through his business ventures
• The museum is amassing an impressive collection of rare artifacts

Refers to bringing together items, people, or information, often in preparation or for a purpose.

• The family is gathering for a reunion this weekend
• She is gathering information for her report

Usually refers to the act of gathering items as a hobby or systematic activity.

• She enjoys collecting stamps from around the world
• He is collecting data for his research project

This word is often used to describe the process of gradually increasing or building up something over time, such as wealth, knowledge, or resources.

• She has been accumulating savings for years to buy a house.
• Dust was accumulating on the shelves.

Collecting generally refers to the act of bringing together items that belong to a particular category, often as a hobby or for a specific purpose. It can also mean obtaining information or money.

• She enjoys collecting stamps in her free time.
• The charity is collecting donations for the homeless.

Gathering is used to describe bringing together people, information, or items, usually for a specific purpose. It often implies something more informal or temporary.

• They are gathering signatures for the petition.
• We will be gathering some data for our research project.

Stockpiling usually means accumulating a large reserve of something, like food or supplies, often for future use or in preparation for shortage or emergency. It carries a somewhat negative or urgent connotation.

• People started stockpiling groceries during the pandemic.
• The government is stockpiling weapons in case of conflict.