pile up — to increase in quantity or amount, especially gradually over time
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to increase in quantity or amount, especially gradually over time
Pronunciation (IPA): /paɪl ʌp/
Example Sentences
- My homework piled up so much that I could probably build a small fort with it.
- After buying three cars in one week, his debts piled up faster than his savings.
- Dirty dishes pile up in the sink whenever my roommate is too lazy to wash them.
pile up
VERB[/paɪl ʌp/]
to increase in quantity or amount, especially gradually over time
Unopened bills pile up on the kitchen table while he pretends not to see.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'pile' derives from Latin 'pila', meaning 'pillar' or 'heap', originally referring to stakes or columns stacked upward. The addition of the directional adverb 'up' creates the phrasal verb 'pile up', conveying the dynamic image of things continuously accumulating upward, whether documents, debts, or snow.
Breakdown
pile (from Latin pila, meaning heap or pillar) + up (directional particle indicating upward movement) = to accumulate or stack progressively upward.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My homework piled up so much that I could probably build a small fort with it.”
“After buying three cars in one week, his debts piled up faster than his savings.”
“Dirty dishes pile up in the sink whenever my roommate is too lazy to wash them.”
“Traffic piles up on this narrow road every single morning during rush hour.”
“Work piles up on my desk faster than I can ever finish it, and I'm starting to think my desk is haunted.”
📚Related Words
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