cumulative
What does "cumulative" mean?
Cumulative describes something that grows or increases in strength, quantity, or effect by adding successive amounts together. Imagine a snowball rolling down a hill; as it travels, it picks up more snow, becoming larger and heavier with every turn. In practice, this word is often used in professional or academic contexts to describe things like interest, exam results, or the total impact of multiple small actions. It implies that the final result is the sum of many individual parts rather than a single event.
"cumulative" in conversation
Discussing study habits
Are you worried about the final exam?
Are you worried about the final exam?
A little, since it’s cumulative and covers everything from the first day.
A little, since it’s cumulative and covers everything from the first day.
Used to describe an exam that includes all previously covered material.
Financial planning
The investment strategy relies on cumulative interest over time.
The investment strategy relies on cumulative interest over time.
So, the longer I leave it, the faster it grows?
So, the longer I leave it, the faster it grows?
Refers to the compounding effect of adding growth to a balance.
"cumulative" in a sentence
The cumulative effect of the rain caused the river to overflow.
The cumulative effect of the rain caused the river to overflow.
She was proud of her cumulative GPA after four years of hard work.
She was proud of her cumulative GPA after four years of hard work.
The cumulative impact of these small policy changes will be felt across the entire industry.
The cumulative impact of these small policy changes will be felt across the entire industry.
