Word
amass
US/əˈmæs/
UK/ɐmˈæs/
Definition
v. to collect a large amount of something over a long time. You use this when talking about gathering things like money, power, or information.
v. to accumulate a large quantity of something, typically over an extended period. Often implies a systematic or deliberate process of gathering.
Examples
“He worked hard to amass a large collection of rare books.”
“The tech company spent years trying to amass enough data to improve its artificial intelligence algorithms.”
“While some families amass wealth through inheritance, others build their fortunes through decades of disciplined investment and strategic business decisions.”
Examples
simple
“He worked hard to amass a large collection of rare books.”
contextual
“The tech company spent years trying to amass enough data to improve its artificial intelligence algorithms.”
complex
“While some families amass wealth through inheritance, others build their fortunes through decades of disciplined investment and strategic business decisions.”
Real-World Examples
“Woodside is one of a growing list of large oil companies amassing profits because of the Iran conflict at the same time as emissions-fuelled climate change affects communities around the world.” “Artistic institutions are amassing more and more information about us, and they can now use it to guide nearly every aspect of modern artistic exposure.” Etymology
From Middle English *amassen (found only as Middle English massen (“to amass”)), from Anglo-Norman amasser, from Medieval Latin amassāre, from ad + massa (“lump, mass”). See mass.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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