cumulative
/ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Incorporating all current and previous data up to the present or at the time of measuring or collating.
Adjective
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
That is formed by an accumulation of successive additions.
Adjective
Examples
As for knowledge which man receiveth by teaching, it is cumulative, not original.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “cumulative” mean?
Incorporating all current and previous data up to the present or at the time of measuring or collating.
Is “cumulative” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.