Amass
/əˈmæs/
verbIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
To gather together or accumulate a large quantity of something.
/əˈmæs/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
To gather or accumulate something, especially in large quantities.
Over the years, she amassed a large collection of antique dolls.
💡 Simply: To collect a lot of something.
More Examples
2
The company amassed a considerable debt due to poor management.
How It's Used
Finance
"He amassed a fortune through shrewd investments."
History
"The king amassed a vast army to conquer his enemies."
From Old French amasser, from a- + masser "to heap up," from Vulgar Latin *massare, from Latin massa "lump, mass."
The word's usage has remained relatively consistent throughout history, focusing on the accumulation of significant quantities.
Memory tip
Imagine a massive pile of things – that's what you 'amass'.
Practice
amass'amas
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written