cumulative
|cu/mu/la/tive|
C1
/ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv/
increasing by accumulation
Etymology
Etymology Information
'cumulative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cumulativus', where 'cumulare' meant 'to heap up'.
Historical Evolution
'cumulativus' transformed into the French word 'cumulatif', and eventually became the modern English word 'cumulative' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to heap up or pile', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'increasing by successive additions'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
increasing or growing by accumulation or successive additions.
The cumulative effect of the rain caused the river to overflow.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35