What is accumulate? Pronunciation and usage in English

accumulate means . Learn how to pronounce and use accumulate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of accumulate

accumulateverb

/əˈkjuːmjəleɪt//əˈkjuːmjəleɪt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "accumulate" in English. It can be a tricky word! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate):

  • /əˈkjʊ.mə.ˌleɪt/ (This is the closest to how a pronunciation guide would write it)

2. Syllable Breakdown & Sounds:

  • ak- (like "ack" - as in saying "thank you") - this is the first syllable
  • cum- (similar to "come" but with a slightly shorter "u" sound)
  • u-late (rhymes with "plate")

3. Detailed Pronunciation:

  • "ak": Pronounced like the "ack" sound.
  • "cum": This is the trickiest part for many people. It's a quick, short "uh" sound followed by "m." Think of the sound in the word "come."
  • "u": A very short "uh" sound, almost like you're holding your breath slightly.
  • "late": Pronounced like the word "late."

4. Putting it Together - A Step-by-Step Approach:

  1. Start with "ak." (Like "ack")
  2. Add "cum": (Short "uh" + "m")
  3. Add "u": (Very short "uh")
  4. Finish with "late": (Like the word "late")

5. Listen to Examples:

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "u." It shouldn't be drawn out.
  • Focus on the quick "cum" sound. It’s the key element.
  • Practice slowly at first. Break the word down into its syllables and say each part clearly.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a similar word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word accumulate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "accumulate" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, and understanding its nuances will help you use it correctly.

1. Core Meaning: To Gather Gradually

At its simplest, "accumulate" means to gather or collect something slowly over time. Think of it as a gradual buildup.

  • Example: "Rain accumulated on the roof, forming a large puddle." (The rain wasn't one big pour, but a series of smaller falls that built up.)
  • Example: "He accumulated wealth through careful investing." (He didn't become rich overnight; it was a process of saving and investing consistently.)

2. Different Types of Things That Can Be Accumulated

"Accumulate" can be used with various nouns:

  • Physical Objects: (like in the rain example) money, dust, snow, books, items.
    • "The shopkeeper accumulated a large collection of antique clocks."
  • Experiences: "She accumulated travel experiences around the world."
  • Knowledge/Skills: “He accumulated knowledge in his field through years of study and research.”
  • Problems/Worries: "Stress tends to accumulate if you don’t address it."
  • Data/Information: "The computer accumulated data from various sources."
  • Pressure: “The team felt the pressure accumulate as the game drew closer.”

3. Key Phrases & Constructions

  • Accumulate… over time: This is a very common usage. It emphasizes the gradual process.
    • "Interest accumulates over time on savings accounts."
    • "His skills accumulated over years of practice."
  • Accumulate to: This often refers to a total amount or level.
    • "The expenses accumulated to a significant sum." (The expenses added up to a large amount.)
    • “The criticisms accumulated to a near-unbearable level.” (The criticisms built up to a point where it was very difficult to deal with.)
  • Accumulation: (Noun form) – Refers to the state or process of accumulating.
    • “The accumulation of evidence pointed to his guilt.”

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings)

  • Gather
  • Collect
  • Build up
  • Pile up
  • Increase
  • Develop
  • Accumulate

5. Examples in Sentences (Showing Variety)

  • “The company tried to accumulate as much market share as possible.”
  • "The snow accumulated to a depth of three feet overnight."
  • “He accumulated a significant debt due to overspending.”
  • “Her expertise in marketing accumulated over twenty years of working in the industry.”
  • “The scientists accumulated data from the experiment and began to analyze the results.”

Tips for Using "Accumulate" Correctly:

  • Focus on the Gradual Aspect: "Accumulate" implies a slow, steady increase. If something happened instantly or abruptly, use a different word (e.g., "increased," "grew").
  • Pay attention to the noun: Make sure the noun you're using with "accumulate" makes sense in the context.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say that you're considering using the word "accumulate" in? (A sentence, a paragraph, etc.)

Synonyms for the word accumulate

Practice with vocabulary accumulate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Over time, small deposits can ______ into a substantial savings fund.
  2. The researchers had to ______ a significant amount of data before they could draw any robust conclusions.
  3. If you don't address minor technical issues promptly, they can ______ into major system failures.
  4. The company's profits are expected to ______ by 15% next quarter due to new market strategies.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes the process of gradually amassing a large quantity of something over a period? A) Disperse B) Collect C) Distribute D) Accumulate E) Discard

  2. When preparing for a natural disaster, many people tend to ______ essential supplies like non-perishable food and water. A) Deplete B) Hoard C) Consume D) Store E) Waste

  3. Which actions would cause a large amount of unread emails to ______ in your inbox? A) Archiving messages regularly B) Delaying responses to non-urgent queries C) Ignoring incoming automated notifications D) Deleting junk mail promptly E) Setting up efficient email filters

  4. To build long-term wealth, financial advisors recommend individuals consistently ______ diverse investments over many years. A) Liquidate B) Disburse C) Accumulate D) Divest E) Amass

  5. Before presenting the annual report, the audit team needs to ______ all financial figures from various departments into a single, comprehensive spreadsheet. A) Disperse B) Fragment C) Compile D) Aggregate E) Separate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The students gradually gathered a significant amount of knowledge through diligent study. Rewrite: Through diligent study, the students began to ______.

  2. Original: It's important to prevent minor grievances from piling up, which can eventually lead to widespread dissatisfaction among employees. Rewrite: It's important to prevent minor grievances from ______, which can eventually lead to widespread dissatisfaction among employees.

  3. Original: Dust and debris will build up quickly on surfaces if you don't clean the laboratory regularly. Rewrite: If you don't clean the laboratory regularly, dust and debris will quickly ______.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. accumulate
  2. gather (or collect)
  3. accumulate
  4. increase (or grow)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Collect, D) Accumulate
  2. B) Hoard, D) Store
  3. B) Delaying responses to non-urgent queries, C) Ignoring incoming automated notifications
  4. C) Accumulate, E) Amass
  5. C) Compile, D) Aggregate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Through diligent study, the students began to accumulate a significant amount of knowledge.
  2. It's important to prevent minor grievances from mounting, which can eventually lead to widespread dissatisfaction among employees.
  3. If you don't clean the laboratory regularly, dust and debris will quickly accumulate.

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