verb
C2
Proficient
accrue
Accrue (verb) means to grow larger over time.
verb
1
To grow larger over time.
2
To build up gradually as a result of growth, especially as interest earned on money lent out.
3
To build up simply because time has gone by.
"The monthly financial statements show all the actual but only some of the accrued expenses."
4
To gather or build up gradually.
"He has accrued nine sick days."
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Etymology
First recorded in the mid 15th century, accrue comes from Middle English acrewen, borrowed from Old French acreüe, the past participle of accreistre (“to increase”), from Latin accrēsco (“increase”), formed from ad (“in addition”) and crēscō (“to grow”). Compare accrete.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for accrue
See all rhymes for accrue →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of accrue?
"accrue" (verb) means to grow larger over time.
What is another word for accrue?
Other words for "accrue" include fall.
What is the opposite of accrue?
Opposites of "accrue" include reduce, abate.
What are the different meanings of accrue?
"accrue" has 3 main meanings: 1. To grow larger over time; 2. To build up gradually as a result of growth, especially as interest earned on money lent out; 3. To build up simply because time has gone by.
