accrue

[ uh-kroo ]

verb (used without object)

, ac·crued, ac·cru·ing.

1. to happen or result as a natural growth, addition, etc.

   Synonyms: gather, collect, accumulate

   Antonyms: scatter, dissipate, disperse, dispel

2. to be added as a matter of periodic gain or advantage, such as an employment benefit or interest on money:

   Paid time off is accrued weekly, at a rate of one hour per week.

   Synonyms: increase, grow

   Antonyms: lessen, diminish, decrease, dwindle

3. Law. to become a present and enforceable right or demand.

accrue

/ əˈkruː /

verb

1. to increase by growth or addition, esp (of capital) to increase by periodic addition of interest
2. often foll by to to fall naturally (to); come into the possession (of); result (for)
3. law (of a right or demand) to become capable of being enforced

Other Words From

• ac·cru·a·ble adjective
• ac·crue·ment noun
• non·ac·cru·ing adjective
• su·per·ac·crue verb (used without object) superaccrued superaccruing

Word History and Origins

Origin of accrue¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English acruen, acrewen, probably from Anglo-French accru(e), Middle French accreu(e), past participle of ac(c)resitre “to increase,” from Latin accrēscere “to grow”; ac-, crew ¹, accretion

Word History and Origins

Origin of accrue¹

C15: from Old French accreue growth, ultimately from Latin accrēscere to increase, from ad- to, in addition + crēscere to grow

Example Sentences

But it raised the amount of income considered nondiscretionary by 50%, immediately lowering monthly payments, and forgave any interest that accrued while a borrower remained current.

From Los Angeles Times

"At the very least, those that accrue 12 or more points on their licence should be required to take an additional training course, even if they are allowed to keep their licence," he said.

From BBC

Trump didn’t detangle himself from his financial holdings in his first term in office, triggering years of emoluments violation investigations into the over 3,000 alleged conflicts of interest he accrued.

From Salon

Investors who provide liquidity for tokens on decentralized exchanges could donate the trading fees they accrue.

From Salon

Biden also won more than 81.2 million votes, much higher than the 72 million to 74 million votes Trump will ultimately accrue.

From Salon

Related Words

• accumulate
• amass

More About Accrue

What does accrue mean?

Accrue means to grow and accumulate naturally or to be added periodically. It’s especially used in the context of finance to refer to the growth of interest in an account.

The past tense of accrue (accrued) can also be used as an adjective describing something that has been accumulated, as in accrued interest.

The noun form of accrue is accrual.

In law, accrue means to become a legal right.

Example: A retirement fund allows money to accrue over the course of your career so that you can support yourself once you stop working.

Where does accrue come from?

The first records of the word accrue come from the 1400s. It is derived from the French word acreistre, meaning “to increase,” from the Latin accrēscere, “to grow.”

Accrue almost always refers to a quantity that is steadily growing—more and more of the thing is acquired as time passes. It is most often used when discussing interest that’s accrued in a savings account or other type of account or investment. But it can be used in many different scenarios. Employees accrue vacation days throughout the year. You can accrue airline miles by flying frequently or using a credit card that offers that reward. The word can also be used more generally in reference to the accumulation of intangible things: you can accrue power or wisdom.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of accrue?

• accrued (past tense verb, adjective)
• accrual (noun)
• accruable (adjective)
• accruement (noun)
• nonaccrued (adjective)
• accruing (continuous tense verb, adjective)
• nonaccruing (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with accrue? 

• accretion

What are some synonyms for accrue?

• accumulate
• collect
• amass
• grow

What are some words that often get used in discussing accrue?

 

• interest
• wealth
• savings
• finance
• account

How is accrue used in real life?

Accrue is often used when discussing finances, but it can refer to the accumulation of many things.

Q4. How does #interest accrue on #studentloans? @SallieMae #CashChat

— Tarra Jackson – Madam Money® (@MsMadamMoney) March 27, 2015

@kikogpe I'm sure whatever technical issue there is with the Flying Club access will be resolved as quickly as possible. In the meantime, you can continue to accrue those miles by using the card but I'm afraid I can't help further from this end. ^RS

— Ask Virgin Money (@AskVirginMoney) May 28, 2020

Yeah I'm not here to accrue likes and follows.

— Florian's Home Office (@germanjedi) May 30, 2020

 

 

Try using accrue!

Which of the following things can accrue?

A. interest
B. vacation days
C. knowledge
D. all of the above