accrue
Say it: uh-KROO /əˈkru/ · verb
What “accrue” means
Build up gradually over time.
More precisely: To build up gradually over time, as interest, benefits or costs do.
Example: “Interest accrues daily on credit card balances, so pay yours off in full.”
When to use it
In financial or workplace discussions, when interest, costs or benefits slowly accumulate. It sounds more formal than 'build up'.
Memory trick
Picture drops filling a bucket: small amounts keep adding up over time.
Similar words
accumulate, build up, mount
Where it comes from
From Latin accrescere, "to grow."
Quick check
Your unused holiday allowance builds up a little each month while you keep working. What does it do?
expire or accrue?
Show the answer
accrue
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