accumulate

[uh-kyoo-myuh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

accumulated, accumulating 

1. to gather or collect, often in gradual degrees; heap up.

   to accumulate wealth.

verb (used without object)

accumulated, accumulating 

1. to gather into a heap, mass, cover, etc.; form a steadily increasing quantity.

   Snow accumulated in the driveway. His debts kept on accumulating.

accumulate

/ əˈkjuːmjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. to gather or become gathered together in an increasing quantity; amass; collect

Other Word Forms

• accumulable adjective
• nonaccumulating adjective
• overaccumulate verb
• preaccumulate verb (used with object)
• reaccumulate verb
• superaccumulate verb (used without object)
• unaccumulable adjective
• unaccumulated adjective
• well-accumulated adjective
• accumulative adjective
• accumulatively adverb
• accumulativeness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of accumulate¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin accumulātus “heaped up,” past participle of accumulāre “to heap up,” from ac- ac- + cumul(us) “heap” ( cumulus ( def. ) ) + -āre, infinitive verb suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of accumulate¹

C16: from Latin accumulātus, past participle of accumulāre to heap up, from cumulus a heap

Example Sentences

Trash accumulated where it was supposed to be collected for disposal.

From Los Angeles Times

There are two primary causes of the desiccation: rising temperatures unleashed by using oil and gas, and widespread overpumping of water that took millennia to accumulate underground.

From Los Angeles Times

He became a revered figure in the game, not for the number of wins he accumulated over his career, but for his role as a mentor to many.

From Los Angeles Times

At 17, in February 2021, he made his debut but further opportunities were limited and, by the end of the following season, Simons had accumulated just 11 senior appearances in all competitions.

From BBC

These quieter, slower acts accumulate into change you can actually see and feel.

From Salon

Related Words

• accrue 
• acquire 
• add to www.thesaurus.com
• assemble 
• collect 
• compile 
• concentrate 
• expand 
• gain 
• grow 
• hoard 
• increase 
• pile up 
• rack up 
• swell