accrue

American  

[uh-kroo] / əˈkru /

verb (used without object)

accrued, accruing

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.

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accrue British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• accruable adjective
• accruement noun
• nonaccruing adjective
• superaccrue verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of accrue

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

Example Sentences

His team have won six of eight matches, with United accruing more points in that period than any other side in the Premier League, including leaders Arsenal.

From BBC

Much of the growth in U.S. food spending has accrued to retailers, which continue to take shelf space and pricing power from branded manufacturers through private labels.

From The Wall Street Journal

She answers her question with the thought that “power accrued to the person with the most energy, regardless of whether that energy was good or evil.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Hemedti, a camel trader turned successful businessman, accrued much wealth from his position as head of a powerful paramilitary force.

From BBC

“I never did collect any commissions and it’s in the contract based on commission percentages that would have been made on any sales accrued,” Kerr told the trustee, according to The 74.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accumulate
• amass