verb
accrue
uh-KROO/əˈkruː/
To build up or be gained gradually over time.
Water accrues in the vessel as the tap slowly drips.
Etymology
The underlying image is growth that adds to what already exists. Applied first to property falling to someone as an addition, accrue developed the broader sense of accumulating by increments.
In context
each month that you are in a forbearance interest is continuing to accrue and you're losing time towards that forgiveness
More examples
- Employees accrue paid leave each month.
- Several benefits accrued to the town after the railway opened.
- Late fees are accruing on the unpaid balance.
Forms
accrue · accrues · accrued · accruing
Similar words
- accumulate
- Any gradual gathering, not necessarily an earned entitlement.
- amass
- Usually suggests actively collecting a substantial quantity.