Last week I departed slightly off the precise language train by detailing the differences between loose and lose. This week I’m going to depart even further by examining two words that are essentially synonymous.
Accumulative is an adjective which means added or gathered together. Cumulative is an adjective which means increased by sequential additions. Both words convey the sense of something being gathered together, and in this sense they are both synonyms.
However, more effective writers will never use accumulative except when referencing financial wealth or property. Thus, the example sentence in the cropped graphic at left should read as follows:
Accumulative is an adjective which means added or gathered together. Cumulative is an adjective which means increased by sequential additions. Both words convey the sense of something being gathered together, and in this sense they are both synonyms.
However, more effective writers will never use accumulative except when referencing financial wealth or property. Thus, the example sentence in the cropped graphic at left should read as follows:
Supervisors should exercise caution that cumulative radiation exposures for staff members do not exceed the new guidelines.
More effective writers recognize the sometimes subtle differences in language. They understand that more precise language makes for more effective writing. Make your writing more effective by recognizing and respecting those differences. Then you will better communicates the image of yourself and your brands that you want to convey to your audience.
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