Reading Theme:
Amass: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：gather a large quantity (amass)
amass
/əˈmæs/
vt.
To gather or collect a lot of something over time, usually until you have a large amount.
gather a large quantity
➕
/ˈɡæðər ə lɑːrdʒ ˈkwɒntɪti/
vt.
To collect or accumulate something over time until a substantial amount is formed.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'massa' (mass), meaning to heap up.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'a mass' – you amass things to form a mass.
📖 Example
My grandfather has amassed an impressive collection of stamps from all over the world.
My grandfather accumulated a vast collection of stamps from around the world.
🔗 Collocations
amass a collection – to gather a large set of items over time
amass resources – to accumulate supplies or assets gradually
amass evidence – to collect a significant amount of proof
🔄 Synonyms
accumulate (vt.) – to gather or build up gradually over time
gather (vt.) – to bring together items or people
collect (vt.) – to accumulate specific items systematically
🚫 Antonyms
disperse (vt.) – to scatter or spread things apart
distribute (vt.) – to give out shares or portions
🌱 Derivatives
amassment (n.) – the act or process of amassing
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Old French 'amasser', from Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'massa' (mass). Historically used for gathering resources or wealth, now common in finance and collecting contexts.
Meaning 2：accumulate great wealth (amass)
amass
/əˈmæs/
vt.
To earn and save a very large amount of money, often over a long period, making someone very rich.
accumulate great wealth
➕
/əˈkjuːmjʊleɪt ɡreɪt welθ/
vt.
To earn and save money over a long period, resulting in substantial financial riches.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Through smart investments, she managed to amass great wealth by the age of 40.
She accumulated significant wealth through wise investments by age 40.
🔗 Collocations
amass a fortune – to accumulate a large sum of money
amass wealth – to gather financial riches over time
amass capital – to build up financial resources for investment
🔄 Synonyms
accumulate (vt.) – to gather wealth or assets gradually
hoard (vt.) – to save or store up money or goods, often excessively
save (vt.) – to set aside money for future use
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
amassment (n.) – the act of amassing, especially wealth
Wordbook
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