accrue

Everyday

1. (formal, money) To grow or build up little by little over time, especially money such as interest. tree →
2. (formal) To come to someone as a benefit or result over time. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word used mostly in money and banking: interest accrues on savings, debts accrue. In maths problems about interest it means the amount gets bigger as time goes on. Also used in exam texts for slowly gaining advantages or points. Phrases: interest accrues, accrued interest, benefits accrue to.

Examples

• Interest accrues on the money in your savings account each month. tree →
• The late fees accrued until the library book was returned. tree →
• Points accrue every time you shop at that store. tree →
• Benefits accrue to those who practise every day. tree →
• She accrued a lot of holiday time at work. tree →
• Unpaid bills can accrue quickly. tree →
• The accrued interest was added to the total. tree →

Note

Formal; in speech say "build up" or "add up". Often used with money and interest. In a maths problem, "accrued interest" is the extra money added on top of the starting amount. Spelling: double c, ends in -ue. Related noun: accrual.