accumulate
uh-KYOOM-yuu-layt
Accumulate (verb) means to gradually gather or build up over time. Example: “Dust had accumulated on the shelves after months of neglect.”
verb
1
To gradually gather or build up over time.
"Dust had accumulated on the shelves after months of neglect."
"She accumulated a large amount of debt while she was a student."
How to use accumulate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo build up little by little until there's a large amount.
Common pairings
accumulate wealth
accumulate debt
accumulate over time
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- accumulates
- Past tense
- accumulated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Dust had _____ on the shelves after months of neglect.
Etymology
From Latin accumulare, "to heap up," from ad- ("to") plus cumulus ("a heap") — the same root behind "cumulus" clouds.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for accumulate
See all rhymes for accumulate →Frequently asked questions
What does “accumulate” mean?
The word “accumulate” means to gradually gather or build up over time. In plain terms, to build up little by little until there's a large amount.
How do you pronounce “accumulate”?
“Accumulate” is pronounced uh-KYOOM-yuu-layt (/əˈkju.mjəˌleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “accumulate” in a sentence?
Here is “accumulate” used in a sentence: “Dust had accumulated on the shelves after months of neglect.”
What is another word for “accumulate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accumulate” include accrue, add up, amound, gather, garner and get up.
What is the opposite of “accumulate”?
The opposite of “accumulate” — its antonyms — are decline, decumulate and lose.
What part of speech is “accumulate”?
“Accumulate” is a verb.
Where does the word “accumulate” come from?
The word “accumulate” comes from Latin. From Latin accumulare, "to heap up," from ad- ("to") plus cumulus ("a heap") — the same root behind "cumulus" clouds.
Is “accumulate” a common word?
“Accumulate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
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