Meaning & Definition of word "Accrue"

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    Accrue

    /əˈkruː/

    verb:

    • 1. To accumulate or receive (payments or benefits) over time.
      • Example: Interest on the savings account will accrue daily.
    • 2. To come about as a natural growth or increase.
      • Example: Over the years, she has allowed her vacation days to accrue without using them.
    • 3. To be added periodically; to increase through gain.
      • Example: The penalties will continue to accrue until the debt is paid.

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Old French 'acreuer', from Latin 'accruere' meaning 'to grow or increase'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    accrue interest:

    to earn or gather interest over time

    accrued benefits:

    benefits that have been accumulated over a period

    accrue liability:

    an obligation that has grown over time but has not yet been paid

    Related Words

    accrual:

    the act of accumulating or assembling over time

    accrued:

    having been accumulated or received over time

    accruing:

    the process of accumulating or adding over time

    Slang Meanings of accrue