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Accumulative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accumulative

[əˈkyuːmjʊlətɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

growth over time

Accumulative refers to something that increases or builds up over time. It often denotes the process of gathering or accumulating more of something, be it physical objects, knowledge, or experiences.

Synonyms

aggregative, amassing, collective, cumulative, gathering.

Examples of usage

  • The accumulative effects of climate change are becoming more apparent.
  • She noticed the accumulative knowledge she gained from years of studying.
  • The accumulative wealth of the family allows them to live comfortably.
  • His accumulative experiences in the industry made him a valuable asset.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, accumulative experiences shape our memories and behaviors, influencing how we react in various situations.
  • The concept of 'cumulative risk' describes how multiple factors can add up to affect mental health over time.
  • Accumulation of positive experiences, known as 'positive reinforcement', is vital for personal growth and well-being.

Education

  • In learning, knowledge is often accumulated through repeated exposure to information over time, leading to better retention.
  • Cumulative assessments are used in education to evaluate a student's understanding over a period instead of just on a single test.
  • Engagement in activities and projects cumulatively build skills, enhancing overall learning experiences.

Finance

  • In finance, the concept of cumulative interest allows savings to grow as interest is earned on both the original amount and on previously earned interest.
  • The idea behind accumulative investments is that small, consistent contributions to savings can lead to significant growth over time.
  • Accumulation in finance also refers to gathering assets or resources gradually to reach a financial goal.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures emphasize the importance of accumulating wisdom and knowledge throughout one's life.
  • Folklore in various cultures tells tales about the power of accumulating goodwill or good deeds to ensure blessings in the future.
  • In some traditions, the accumulation of stories and oral history is vital for passing down knowledge to future generations.

Origin of 'accumulative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'accumulare', which means 'to heap up' or 'to gather together'.
  • The root 'cumula' means 'heap', connecting to the idea of piling things up.
  • Accumulative has been used in English since the late 14th century.

The term 'accumulative' derives from the Latin verb 'accumulare', which means 'to heap up or pile up'. It is a combination of 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'cumulare' meaning 'to pile up'. The word began to appear in English in the late 19th century, gradually gaining traction in various fields such as economics, education, and environmental studies. Over time, 'accumulative' has been used to describe processes in which effects or items gather sequentially, particularly emphasizing the gradual nature of this gathering. The widespread use of the term in academic and professional contexts reflects its importance in understanding growth phenomena in various disciplines.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,555, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.