Definition

In a way that involves gathering or increasing over time, often referring to the gradual collection of something.

Example

The data was collected accumulatively to show the overall trend over the years.

Conversation

I've been saving money for a new laptop.

That's a great idea! Are you doing it accumulatively?

Yeah, I put aside a little each month.

Nice, that way it won't feel like such a big expense.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Accumulatively → It is formed from "accumulare" (meaning to heap up or gather) and the suffix "-ively" (meaning in a manner of). The word describes the manner in which things are gathered or heaped up over time.

Memory Tip

Think of 'gathering' ('accumulare') things 'in a manner' ('-ively') — that's how accumulatively means to gather things over time.

Visually Confused Words