Accumulate vs. Accrue: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Aimie Carlson || Updated on October 12, 2023
Accumulate means to gather or amass over time, while accrue refers to the growth of something, often financial, by periodic additions or natural growth.
Key Differences
Accumulate and Accrue are both verbs that indicate a growth or increase in quantity. The word "Accumulate" directly signifies the collection or buildup of items, resources, or quantities over a period of time. On the other hand, "Accrue" pertains to the gradual growth or accumulation, especially of financial benefits or obligations, typically through periodic additions or natural processes.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
While "Accumulate" is a general term and can be used in a range of contexts from collecting objects to gathering knowledge, "Accrue" is commonly associated with financial or formal contexts. For instance, one might accumulate books or knowledge, while interest might accrue on a loan or savings account.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Another distinguishing feature between the two is the speed or manner of growth. Accumulation can happen rapidly or slowly, but it often implies a conscious effort to gather or increase. In contrast, accruing generally implies a more passive or natural progression, where the growth is a result of predefined conditions or set parameters.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Furthermore, "Accumulate" can be used to refer to both tangible and intangible items, like accumulating wealth or experience. "Accrue", however, is primarily used in reference to benefits or amounts that are due or owed, like accruing interest or benefits.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Lastly, while both words can be used in positive and negative contexts, "Accrue" can often have a neutral or formal tone, particularly when used in financial or legal discussions. "Accumulate", meanwhile, is versatile in its usage and tone, suitable for a wider range of contexts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
To gather or amass over time.
To grow, especially by periodic additions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Common Contexts
Tangible and intangible items.
Primarily financial or formal.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Growth Manner
Can be rapid or slow, often with effort.
Gradual, often natural or passive.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Tone
Versatile, can be positive or negative.
Neutral or formal, especially in financial contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
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Accumulate and Accrue Definitions
Accumulate
To result in an increase of something.
The company's profits accumulate with every successful project.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Accrue
To accumulate or be received periodically, especially as a benefit or interest.
Interest will accrue on the outstanding balance.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Accumulate
To grow or increase in number or quantity.
Over the years, he accumulated a vast collection of rare coins.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Accrue
To be added or attached, especially as a right or advantage.
The benefits that accrue with seniority.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Accumulate
To amass or build up, especially gradually.
She continues to accumulate accolades for her performance.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
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Accrue
To result from or as a natural growth or addition.
Benefits accrue from regular exercise.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Accumulate
To come together or converge in one place.
Rainwater tends to accumulate in the hollow.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Accrue
To come into one's possession as a gain or increase.
Vacation days accrue over time.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Accumulate
To gather or cause to increase; amass
We accumulated enough wood for a fire. Nearly all bank accounts accumulate interest.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accrue
To accumulate over a period without the active effort.
Late fees may accrue if payment is delayed.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Accumulate
To be the site for (a gradually increasing mass), especially as a result of disuse or neglect
Those old books are accumulating dust.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accrue
To come to one as a gain, addition, or increment
Interest accruing in my savings account.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accrue
To increase, accumulate, or come about as a result of growth
Common sense that accrues with experience.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accumulate
(transitive) To heap up in a mass; to pile up; to collect or bring together (either literally or figuratively)
He wishes to accumulate a sum of money.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accumulate
(intransitive) To gradually grow or increase in quantity or number.
With her company going bankrupt, her divorce, and a gambling habit, debts started to accumulate so she had to sell her house.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accumulate
To take a higher degree at the same time with a lower degree, or at a shorter interval than usual.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accrue
(intransitive) To reach or come to by way of increase; to arise or spring up because of growth or result, especially as the produce of money lent.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accumulate
To heap up in a mass; to pile up; to collect or bring together; to amass; as, to accumulate a sum of money.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accrue
To be incurred as a result of the passage of time.
The monthly financial statements show all the actual but only some of the accrued expenses.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accumulate
To grow or increase in quantity or number; to increase greatly.
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,Where wealth accumulates, and men decay.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accumulate
Get or gather together;
I am accumulating evidence for the man's unfaithfulness to his wife
She is amassing a lot of data for her thesis
She rolled up a small fortune
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accumulate
Collect or gather;
Journals are accumulating in my office
The work keeps piling up
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accrue
To increase; to augment.
And though power failed, her courage did accrue.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
Accumulate
To gather or collect over a period of time.
I hope to accumulate enough savings for a new car.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Accrue
To come to by way of increase; to arise or spring as a growth or result; to be added as increase, profit, or damage, especially as the produce of money lent.
The great and essential advantages accruing to society from the freedom of the press.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2022
FAQs
What does "Accumulate" generally mean?
"Accumulate" means to gather or amass items or quantities over a period of time.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
How is "accrue" different from regular growth?
"Accrue" often implies a more specific, systematic, or periodic form of growth, especially in formal or financial contexts.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Can penalties "accrue" for late payments?
Yes, penalties can accrue on late payments based on the terms set.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Is "Accrue" limited to financial contexts?
While often used financially, "accrue" can also refer to any gain over time, like accruing benefits or rights.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Can I say I've "accumulated" experiences on a trip?
Yes, experiences, like many other things, can accumulate over time or during specific activities.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
How is "Accrue" commonly used in financial terms?
"Accrue" often refers to the growth of something, especially financial, by periodic additions or natural growth, such as interest accruing on a loan.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Can "Accumulate" be used for intangible items?
Yes, one can accumulate knowledge, experience, or even feelings over time.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
If I save money in a bank, does the interest "accumulate" or "accrue"?
Both can be used, but it's more common to say interest "accrues" in banking contexts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Is "Accumulate" always used in positive contexts?
No, "accumulate" is neutral and can be used in both positive (accumulate wealth) and negative (accumulate debt) situations.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
If benefits "accrue," does it mean they're immediately available?
Not necessarily. Benefits that accrue might become available after specific conditions are met, like after a certain period.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
What's the difference in connotation between "Accumulate" and "Accrue"?
"Accumulate" often implies active gathering, while "accrue" implies more passive, often natural, growth.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Can a person "accumulate" a reputation?
Yes, a reputation can be accumulated based on one's actions and experiences over time.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Are there any synonyms for "accrue" in a financial sense?
"Compound" can be a synonym when discussing interest, as in "interest accruing or compounding over time."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
In legal terms, can rights "accrue" over time?
Yes, rights or benefits can accrue based on conditions met or time passed.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Can you "accumulate" knowledge?
Definitely, knowledge can be accumulated through experiences, education, and continuous learning.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Can I use "accumulate" to describe growing emotions?
Absolutely, emotions like stress or joy can accumulate over time.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
How does "accumulate" relate to frequency?
"Accumulate" doesn't specify frequency; it just indicates a buildup over time, which can be rapid or slow.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
