accrue
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈkruː/
KK: /əˈkru/
intransitive verb
Definition
To gradually gather or increase over time, often referring to benefits or amounts that build up, such as interest or knowledge.
Example
Interest will accrue on your savings account if you leave the money untouched.
Tense Forms
Past: accrued
Past Participle: accrued
Conversation
Have you noticed how quickly our savings can accrue over time?
Yeah, it's surprising how just a little can add up!
I think it's important to let that interest accrue instead of withdrawing it too soon.
Definitely! The longer you leave it, the more you'll benefit.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
accumulate
increase
grow
Antonyms
decrease
diminish
decline
transitive verb
Definition
To gather or increase gradually over a period of time, often referring to benefits, interest, or resources that build up.
Example
I have accrued 15 days of sick leave.
Tense Forms
Past: accrued
Past Participle: accrued
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how much vacation time you can accrue?
Yeah, it's pretty interesting to see it add up over the years.
I just realized I've accrued more than I expected this year!
Root Explanation
Accrue is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "cruere" (meaning to grow or increase). The word describes the process of something growing or increasing over time, particularly in terms of accumulating benefits or interest.
Memory Tip
Think of something 'growing' ('cruere') as you add to it 'over time' ('ad-') — that's how you remember that accrue means to accumulate or gather.
Visually Confused Words
reaccrue
accuse
unaccrued
acre