Accumulate (verb)

1. To gather or collect (something) gradually over time.
2. To build up or increase (something) steadily.

Origin:

Early 17th century: from latin accumulat- "heaped up", from the verb accumulare, from ad- "to" + cumulus "heap".

Examples:

1. She accumulated a large collection of stamps over the years.
2. He accumulated a lot of wealth through hard work and investment.
3. The company accumulated a large amount of debt.
4. The student accumulated a lot of knowledge through reading.
5. The company's reputation accumulated gradually over time.