Cumulative Meaning
/ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjIncorporating all current and previous data up to the present or at the time of measuring or collating.
adjThat is formed by an accumulation of successive additions.
Sentence Examples
The graph shows the cumulative interest as a function of time.
Lost sleep has a cumulative effect, I've been told.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ effect of daily exercise is a significant improvement in overall health.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The graph shows the ____ interest as a function of time.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ḱewh₁- Proto-Indo-European *ḱuh₁mósder.? Latin cumulus Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti Proto-Italic *-āō Latin -ō Latin cumulō Latin cumulātusbor. English cumulate Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Indo-European *-iHwósder. Latin -īvus Old French -ifbor. Middle English -yf English -ive English cumulative From cumulate + -ive. Compare also French cumulatif, Italian cumulativo and Spanish cumulativo.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"As for knowledge which man receiveth by teaching, it is cumulative, not original."
— 1605, Francis Bacon, “(please specify |book=1 or 2)”, in The Twoo Bookes of Francis Bacon. Of the Proficience and Aduancement of Learning, Diuine and Humane, London: […] [Thomas Purfoot and Thomas Creede] for Henrie Tomes, […], →OCLC:
"The argument […] is in very truth not logical and single, but moral and cumulative."
— 1850, Richard Chenevix Trench, Notes on the Miracles of Our Lord:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ effect of daily exercise is a significant improvement in overall health.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The graph shows the ____ interest as a function of time.