Words / C1

KYOOM-y-uh-l-uh-tiv/ˈkjuːmjələtɪv/

Cumulative means increasing by successive additions: a cumulative total, the cumulative effect. Accumulate is the verb (already in the dictionary); accumulative is rarer. Gradual is about pace, not addition. Consecutive is one after another in time. Do not use cumulative for a single large jump.

Meaning

Increasing by successive additions (cumulative effect / total).

Examples

• “The cumulative effect of late nights showed in her work.”
• “The cumulative effect of missed breakfasts showed in the afternoon tests.”
• “A cumulative frequency table adds each band to the one before.”

Good to know

cumulative effect/total (built by adding). Verb: accumulate. Contrast: a one-off spike; consecutive (in a row).

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