Cumulative: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'cumulative' comes from the Latin word 'cumulare,' which means 'to heap up.'
• The word has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe things that build up over time.
• In linguistics, cumulative cases refer to grammatical constructions that accumulate meaning through additional elements.

Education

• In education, cumulative assessments often gauge a student's understanding over a period, rather than just on a single test.
• Cumulative knowledge is key to effective learning; studying in small increments often leads to better retention.
• Cumulative grade point averages (GPAs) provide a holistic view of a student's academic performance over their schooling years.

Science

• In environmental science, cumulative impacts refer to the total effect of multiple environmental stressors on ecosystems.
• Cumulative risk assessments evaluate the combined effects of exposure to different agents or factors over time.
• Certain biological processes, like genetic mutations, can have cumulative effects that impact health and evolution.

Psychology

• Cumulative stress refers to the buildup of stressors over time, which can significantly affect mental health.
• Acquired knowledge through cumulative learning experiences improves decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Research shows that cumulative trauma can lead to long-term psychological impacts, highlighting the importance of addressing stressors early.

Finance

• In finance, cumulative interest can result in significantly higher returns over time due to compounding.
• Cumulative dividends are payments that accumulate over time, often benefiting loyal investors.
• Cumulative loss refers to the total amount of loss incurred over a specific period, frequently evaluated in investment strategies.

At #5,585 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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