Cumulative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cumulative
[ˈkjuː.mjʊ.lə.tɪv ]
Definition
amount over time
Cumulative describes something that increases or grows over time by being added together. This term is often used in various fields like finance, education, and science to indicate a total that accumulates from smaller, individual parts. For instance, cumulative effects can refer to the total impact of multiple factors or events. It's important to understand the cumulative nature of certain processes, as they can lead to significant changes when looked at holistically.
Synonyms
accumulated, aggregate, collective, combined.
Examples of usage
- The cumulative total of sugar consumed can lead to health issues.
- Her cumulative grades improved significantly over the semester.
- The cumulative effect of years of hard work finally paid off.
- The project's cumulative costs exceeded the initial budget.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'cumulative'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'cumulative' originates from the Latin term 'cumulativus,' which means 'to pile up.' This Latin root itself comes from 'cumulo', meaning 'heap' or 'pile'. Over time, the usage of the term evolved and was adopted into English in the early 19th century, reflecting the process of gathering or accumulating together. It has since been used across various disciplines, including mathematics, statistics, and environmental science, to describe the total effect or value that builds up from individual components. The rise of industrialization and data analysis has further popularized its usage, as understanding cumulative effects has become essential in fields like environmental studies and economics.