accrue
uh-KROO
/əˈkruː/
(Of a benefit or sum of money) to be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time.
Often used for interest or vacation time that builds up the longer you stay at a job.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'acreistre', which comes from the Latin 'accrescere' (to grow). It’s the same root that gives us 'crescent' (the growing moon).
Word relationships
- accumulate: More general; can refer to dust, wealth, or evidence.
- collect: Implies an active gathering rather than a passive growth.
- dissipate: To scatter or waste away.
- dwindle: To gradually become smaller.
Commonly confused with
- vest: Accruing is the money growing; vesting is the legal right to take that money with you.
Word family
- accrual (noun): The accumulation of something.
Collocations
- accrue interest
- accrue benefits
- accrue over time
Example sentences
- "Vacation days accrue at a rate of 1.5 days per month of employment." Employment Contract
- "Interest will accrue on the principal balance from the date the loan is issued." Finance
Memory hook
Money 'accrues' like a 'crew' growing larger as more people join. Growing bit by bit.
When not to use
Don't use 'accrue' for a sudden, one-time gift; it implies a gradual accumulation.
Fun facts
- In accounting, 'accrual basis' means recording income when it's earned, not just when the cash is received.
Related words
Explore more words
accretion, accumulation, cumulative, accelerate, incremental, bioaccumulate
Also appears in
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