accrue

Pronunciation

• IPA: /əˈkru/
• American: uh-KROO

Origin

From Old French acreue, past participle of acreistre "to increase," from Latin accrēscere (to grow, increase)

Meanings

1. (v) To accumulate or increase gradually over time

   • "Interest will accrue on your savings account."
   • "Benefits accrue to those who wait patiently."

2. (v) To come into existence as a natural growth or addition

   • "Responsibilities accrue as you advance in your career."
   • "The advantages that accrue from hard work are numerous."

Example Sentences

• The company's debt continued to accrue throughout the fiscal year.
• Vacation days accrue at a rate of two days per month.
• Wisdom accrues with experience and age.
• The penalties will accrue daily until the payment is made.

Related Words

• Forms:

  • accrued (past tense)
  • accruing (present participle)
  • accrual (noun)
  • accruement (noun)

• Synonyms:

  • accumulate
  • build up
  • amass
  • mount up
  • collect

Memory Tricks

1. Think "A-CREW" - like a crew (group) that gradually grows bigger
2. Remember the phrase: "AC-GREW" (sounds like accrue) - something that grows/accumulates
3. Connect with "crew" + "add" = things adding up to your crew/group over time