Word
accumulate
Meanings
to gather or build up gradually over time
to increase in amount or number as additions continue
to collect something intangible such as experience, proof, or influence over time
Definition
To accumulate means to gather or build up something gradually over time.
To accumulate is to collect or increase something little by little until there is a larger amount. It often describes money, objects, evidence, or effects that grow through repeated additions. The focus is on a gradual process rather than a single sudden change.
Examples
- Over the years, she managed to accumulate a remarkable range of skills across different teams.
- If you accumulate small delays throughout the week, the project timeline can slip without anyone noticing.
- He began to accumulate research notes in scattered folders until he finally built a coherent argument.
- They accumulate frequent-flyer miles quickly when their work schedule includes regular international travel.
Common mistake
Learners often use "accumulate" for a single quick collection, but it usually implies a gradual build-up over time.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.