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Amass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฐ
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amass

[ษ™หˆmas ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to gather

To gather or collect in large quantities; to accumulate. It often implies a gradual accumulation over time.

Synonyms

accumulate, collect, gather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amass

Amass is often used when talking about gathering a large quantity of something, especially over a long period of time. It can be physical objects, wealth, or information.

  • He managed to amass a fortune by investing wisely
  • Over the years, she has amassed a vast collection of vintage books
accumulate

Accumulate is typically used when referring to a gradual increase in quantity, often stressing the process rather than the result.

  • Dust can quickly accumulate if you donโ€™t clean regularly
  • Over time, they accumulated enough experience to start their own business
gather

Gather is used both in the sense of bringing things or people together. It may emphasize the act of bringing things to one place sporadically or for an event.

  • The family will gather around the table for Thanksgiving dinner
  • They need to gather materials for the school project
collect

Collect is often used when one intentionally gathers items, often as a hobby or for a specific purpose.

  • She loves to collect stamps from different countries
  • They have collected data from various sources for their research

Examples of usage

  • He managed to amass a great fortune through his business ventures.
  • She has been able to amass a vast collection of rare books over the years.
Context #2 | Verb

to build up

To gradually build up a large amount of something, such as wealth, knowledge, or power.

Synonyms

accumulate, build up, gather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
amass

Used when referring to collecting large amounts of valuable or important items over a long period of time.

  • He managed to amass a fortune by investing wisely
  • She amasses rare antiques from all over the world
accumulate

Typically used in more general situations when referring to the gradual collection of any items, not necessarily valuable, over time.

  • Over the years, they accumulated a lot of junk in their garage
  • She has accumulated a lot of experience in the field
build up

Often used in contexts where something is gradually increasing or improving over time, can imply both positive or negative growth.

  • They have built up a strong network of contacts
  • Tension began to build up between the coworkers
gather

Commonly used when referring to physically collecting items or people together in one place or when referring to intangible things like information or thoughts.

  • He gathered all the tools he needed for the project
  • They gathered in the park for the annual festival
  • She gathered her thoughts before speaking

Examples of usage

  • He has been able to amass a significant amount of knowledge in the field of astrophysics.
  • The company continues to amass a large customer base through effective marketing strategies.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In finance, to amass wealth often relates to saving and investing over time, impacting personal finance strategies.
  • Famous investors like Warren Buffett have emphasized the importance of amassing resources through wise investment decisions.
  • Many successful businesses focus on amassing customer loyalty, which can lead to sustained growth and profitability.

Psychology

  • The act of amassing can be linked to behaviors like hoarding, where individuals collect items, sometimes excessively.
  • Research suggests that gathering resources can create a sense of security and control in uncertain times.
  • Amassing knowledge, particularly through reading and education, is essential for personal growth and development.

Pop Culture

  • In video games, players often amass resources to build empires or complete missions, emphasizing progression and achievement.
  • The term appears in songs and movies, often connected to themes of success and the journey to wealth.
  • Reality TV shows about wealth or success often showcase participants amassing goods or experiences as part of their journey.

Environmental Science

  • Amassing data is crucial for understanding climate change, as scientists collect extensive datasets over decades.
  • In ecology, species can amass over time in safe habitats, leading to biodiversity, which is vital for ecosystem health.
  • Conservation efforts focus on amassing information about endangered species to protect and restore their populations.

Origin of 'amass'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'amassare', which means 'to heap up' or 'to gather together'.
  • Old French influenced the term, contributing to its evolution into modern English in the 15th century.
  • It was originally related to collecting wealth or resources, especially in the context of trade.

The word 'amass' originated from the Old French word 'amasser', which means 'to gather into a mass'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. The prefix 'a-' signifies 'to, toward', and 'mass' refers to a large quantity or amount. The word conveys the idea of gradually accumulating or building up something over time.

See also: mass, massacre, massage, masses, masseur, masseuse, massive.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,626, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.