accumulate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈkjuː.mjʊ.leɪt/
KK: /əˈkjuː.mjʊ.leɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To gather or collect things over time, often in increasing amounts.
Example
As the years went by, she began to accumulate a wealth of knowledge in her field.
Tense Forms
Past: accumulated
Past Participle: accumulated
Conversation
I’ve noticed that my collection of books continues to accumulate over time.
That's awesome! Do you have a favorite genre?
Yeah, I love mystery novels; they seem to accumulate more than the others.
Mystery is great! I can see why you keep collecting them.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gather
amass
collect
Antonyms
dissipate
disperse
decrease
transitive verb
Definition
To gather or collect things over time, often in increasing amounts.
Example
Over the years, she managed to accumulate a vast collection of rare coins.
Tense Forms
Past: accumulated
Past Participle: accumulated
Conversation
Have you noticed how quickly we accumulate books on our shelves?
I know, right? It's like they multiply overnight.
I think I should start donating some to make space.
Root Explanation
Accumulate is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "cumulare" (meaning to heap or pile up). The word describes the process of gathering or piling things together over time.
Memory Tip
Think of 'adding to a pile' — 'ad-' means to, and 'cumulare' means to heap. This helps you remember that accumulate means to gather or pile up.
Visually Confused Words
unaccumulate
reaccumulate
cumulate
unaccumulated
preaccumulate
acuminulate
sacculate
aciculate