Accrue

Vocabulary Spotlight

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To accumulate or receive over time, often used in a financial context.

“Interest will accrue on the savings account over the years.”

Pronunciation

[uh-KROO]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Accumulate
Amass
Gather
Collect
Earn

Antonyms

Deplete
Diminish
Spend
Lose
Reduce

Related Words

Accrual
Accretive
Accretion

Word Origin

“Accrue” comes from the Latin “accrescere,” meaning “to grow” or “to increase.”

Word Family

Verb: Accrue – To accumulate over time.

Noun: Accrual – The accumulation or growth of something over time.

Mnemonics

Think “A Crew Collects” – Accrue means to gradually gather or accumulate over time.

Industry-specific Usage

Finance

Interest on a loan accrues over time, adding to the total amount owed.

Accounting

In accounting, revenue or expenses are recorded as they accrue, even if cash has not yet been exchanged.

Insurance

Benefits in some insurance policies accrue over the policy period, increasing in value over time.

In Context

Accruing reflects a gradual process of growth or accumulation over time, a key concept in finance and accounting where values are expected to build gradually.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. What is a synonym for “Accrue”?

Spend

Deplete

Diminish

Accumulate

‘Accumulate’ is the correct answer as both imply a gradual collection or growth.

2. Fill in the blank: The interest on the savings account will _______ over time.

accrue

spend

reduce

diminish

‘Accrue’ is correct as it indicates accumulation over time, especially with interest.

3. In which context would “accrue” be MOST appropriate?

Quickly spend savings

Allowing interest to build in a bank account

Instantly buying items

Reducing inventory

‘Allowing interest to build in a bank account’ is appropriate as accrue refers to gradual accumulation.