accrue
Meaning
To increase over time, especially of money or benefits.
To be received or accumulated periodically.
Structure
Usage
Interest will accrue on the savings account monthly.
Significant benefits can accrue from regular exercise.
The company must account for all expenses that accrue during the fiscal year.
Etymology
The word "accrue" originates from the Old French "acreü," the past participle of "acreistre," meaning "to increase." This, in turn, derives from the Latin verb "accrescere," a compound of "ad-" (to) and "crescere" (to grow). The literal sense of "growing toward" or "increasing by addition" was initially applied in legal and financial contexts to refer to periodic increases, such as interest on capital. Over time, its usage broadened to encompass the gradual accumulation of any non-material benefit or result, preserving the core logic of incremental growth from its ancient roots.
Analysis
- ac: Latin origin (ad-), a prefix meaning "to" or "toward," functioning as an intensifier or directional prefix. - crue: Latin origin (crescere), meaning "to grow" or "to increase," functioning as the core root.