accumulative
UK: əˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv | US: əˈkjumjəleɪtɪv
adj. increasing or growing by gradual addition
adj. tending to accumulate over time
accumulative = ac<to/toward> + cumul<pile/heap> + ative<adjective suffix>
- ac (prefix): from Latin ad-, meaning "to" or "toward."
- cumul (root): from Latin cumulus, meaning "pile" or "heap."
- ative (suffix): from Latin -ativus, forming adjectives indicating a tendency or capacity.
Etymology Origin:
The word accumulative traces back to Latin accumulare ("to heap up"), combining ad- (intensifying "toward") and cumulus ("pile"). Over time, it evolved in English to describe gradual growth by addition, reflecting the literal idea of piling things up. The suffix -ative reinforces its adjectival nature, emphasizing a continuous or habitual tendency.
The accumulative effects of pollution are harming marine life.
Her savings grew at an accumulative rate due to compound interest.
The study focused on the accumulative impact of stress on mental health.
His wealth was the result of years of accumulative investments.
The policy aims to reduce the accumulative burden of debt on low-income families.