accumulation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the way something grows into a large amount or a pile over time.
the gradual growth or increase of something through a continuous process of addition.
Simple“The accumulation of dust on the old books showed that no one had touched them for years.”
In context“The slow accumulation of evidence eventually allowed the investigators to build a solid case against the corporation.”
UsageOften used with 'of' to describe what is being gathered.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a pile or a large amount of something that has been collected.
a mass or quantity of something that has been gathered or piled up.
Simple“There was a dangerous accumulation of snow on the roof after the storm.”
In context“The city struggled to manage the massive accumulation of waste following the week-long strike by sanitation workers.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the way money or wealth grows by adding interest or savings over time.
the continuous growth of capital through the retention of interest, dividends, or additional savings.
Simple“He focused on the accumulation of wealth during his younger years to retire early.”
In context“The long-term accumulation of capital is essential for firms looking to fund major infrastructure projects without external borrowing.”
UsageCommonly used in the context of 'wealth accumulation' or 'capital accumulation'.
SynonymscompoundingaccrualAntonymsspendingdivestment - 04 C1 Advanced
when investors buy a lot of a stock or asset because the price is low.
the act of investors purchasing a large volume of an asset, typically when prices are perceived as undervalued.
Simple“The stock is currently in a phase of accumulation by large banks.”
In context“Market analysts noted a period of steady accumulation by institutional investors before the sudden price breakout in early March.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
an old system where a student could study for two high-level degrees at the same time.
the historical practice of pursuing two higher academic degrees simultaneously to shorten the total duration of study.
Simple“In the nineteenth century, accumulation allowed him to finish his studies much faster.”
In context“The statutes of the university once permitted the accumulation of degrees, though the practice was eventually abolished to ensure academic rigour.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is historical and specific to older British university systems; it is rarely encountered in modern contexts.
“Collating scientific research, Carson demonstrated that the lack of spring’s dawn chorus in the US was due to the accumulation of DDT, a synthetic pesticide.”
“Researchers are exploring this strategy to develop a single-dose treatment for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis , a rare genetic disease caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the heart and nerves.”
From Middle English acumulacyon, from Middle French accumulation and its etymon, Latin accumulātiō, accumulātiōnis. By surface analysis, accumulate + -ion. First attested in the late 15th century. Doublet of accumulatio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.