cumulative

comparative more cumulative · superlative most cumulative

1. Incorporating all current and previous data up to the present or at the time of measuring or collating.
2. That is formed by an accumulation of successive additions.

   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

   2 more examples

   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

   New Zealand meanwhile made it to the finals having beaten Tahiti, Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia in qualifying, to the cumulative score of 29-1, and have subsequently lost eight of their last ten matches, the latest an embarrassing 4-0 defeat by Haiti.

   2026 June 6, Scott Murray, “England v. New Zealand: World Cup warm-up – live”, in The Guardian

   1. human sciencesAdding one statement to another.

      cumulative conjunctions like and, both…and and as well as

3. That tends to accumulate.
4. businessHaving priority rights to receive a dividend that accrue until paid.
5. law(of evidence, witnesses, etc.) Intended to illustrate an argument that has already been demonstrated excessively.

   The state wants to bring in ten blood-spatter experts to testify. Your Honor, that is cumulative testimony.