Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/əˌkjuː.mjʊˈleɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

• The process of gathering or collecting items or data over time.
• The amount that has been collected or accumulated.

Usage Examples

• The accumulation of wealth can take many years.
• Her accumulation of knowledge in the field was impressive.

Etymology

Originating from the Latin word "accumulatio," which comes from "ad-" (to) and "cumulare" (to heap).

Synonyms

• Collection
• Amassing
• Gathering

Antonyms

• Dispersal
• Reduction
• Decline

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation may vary by region; for instance, accents in the UK and US may have slight differences.

Historical Usage

The term "accumulation" has been used since the late 14th century, initially in the context of gathering physical items.

Cultural Nuances

Accumulation can have different connotations in various cultures, often viewed positively in capitalist societies but critically in others.

More Information

For further details, consult economic texts that discuss the significance of accumulation in wealth and resources.