accumulate
UK: əˈkjuːmjəleɪt | US: əˈkjumjəleɪt
vt. to gather or pile up gradually over time
vi. to increase in quantity or mass
accumulate = ac<to, toward> + cumul<pile> + ate<verb suffix>
- ac (prefix): from Latin ad- ("to, toward"), assimilated to ac- before c-.
- cumul (root): from Latin cumulus ("heap, pile"), referring to a mass or accumulation.
- ate (suffix): Latin -atus, forming verbs meaning "to make or do."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin accumulare ("to heap up"), combining ad- (intensifying direction) and cumulus (a pile, like clouds or debris). It entered English in the 15th century, retaining its core idea of gradual gathering. The imagery of piling (e.g., snowballing debt or savings) persists in modern usage.
Dust tends to accumulate on shelves if not cleaned regularly.
She managed to accumulate a fortune through wise investments.
Snow accumulated overnight, blocking the roads.
The team accumulated enough data to publish their findings.
Stress can accumulate if not managed properly.