grow

¹

[ groh ]

verb (used without object)

, grew [groo], grown [grohn], grow·ing [groh, -ing].

1. to increase by natural development, as any living organism or part by assimilation of nutriment; increase in size or substance.

   Synonyms: extend, expand, enlarge, swell, multiply, develop

   Antonyms: decrease

2. to form and increase in size by a process of inorganic accretion, as by crystallization.
3. to arise or issue as a natural development from an original happening, circumstance, or source:

   Our friendship grew from common interests.

   Synonyms: originate

4. to increase gradually in size, amount, etc.; become greater or larger; expand:

   His influence has grown.

   Synonyms: wax

   Antonyms: wane

5. to become gradually attached or united by or as if by growth:

   The branches of the trees grew together, forming a natural arch.

6. to come to be by degrees; become:

   to grow old.

7. Nautical. to lie or extend in a certain direction, as an anchor cable.

verb (used with object)

, grew [groo], grown [grohn], grow·ing [groh, -ing].

1. to cause to grow:

   They grow corn.

   Synonyms: produce, cultivate, raise

2. to allow to grow:

   to grow a beard.

3. to cover with a growth (used in the passive):

   a field grown with corn.

verb phrase

1. 1. to increase in influence or effect:

      An uneasy feeling grew upon him as he went through the old house.

   2. to become gradually more liked or accepted by:

      a village by the sea that grows on one.

2. 1. to become too large or mature for; outgrow:

      He has grown out of all his clothes.

   2. to originate in; develop from:

      The plan grew out of a casual conversation.

3. 1. to be or become fully grown; attain mental or physical maturity.
   2. to come into existence; arise:

      New cities grew up in the desert.

4. 1. to become large enough for:

      He'll grow into his brother's suits before long.

   2. to become mature or experienced enough for:

      She grew into the job, although she wasn't qualified for it at first.

Grow

²

[ groh ]

noun

1. Ga·lu·sha Aaron [g, uh, -, loo, -sh, uh], 1822–1907, U.S. political leader: Speaker of the House 1861–63.

grow

/ ɡrəʊ /

verb

1. (of an organism or part of an organism) to increase in size or develop (hair, leaves, or other structures)
2. intr; usually foll by out of or from to originate, as from an initial cause or source

   the federation grew out of the Empire

3. intr to increase in size, number, degree, etc

   the population is growing rapidly

4. intr to change in length or amount in a specified direction

   some plants grow downwards

   profits over the years grew downwards

5. copula; may take an infinitive (esp of emotions, physical states, etc) to develop or come into existence or being gradually

   to grow morose

   he grew to like her

   to grow cold

6. intrusually foll byup to come into existence

   a close friendship grew up between them

7. intrfoll bytogether to be joined gradually by or as by growth

   the branches on the tree grew together

8. intr; foll by away, together, etc to develop a specified state of friendship

   the lovers grew together gradually

   many friends grow apart over the years

9. whenintr, foll by with to become covered with a growth

   the path grew with weeds

10. to produce (plants) by controlling or encouraging their growth, esp for home consumption or on a commercial basis

Other Words From

• growa·ble adjective
• re·grow verb regrew regrown regrowing

Word History and Origins

Origin of grow¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English growen, Old English grōwan; cognate with Dutch groeien, Old High German grouwan, Old Norse grōa

Word History and Origins

Origin of grow¹

Old English grōwan; related to Old Norse grōa, Old Frisian grōia, Old High German gruoen; see green , grass

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. grow a pair, Slang: Vulgar. pair ¹( def 23 ).

More idioms and phrases containing grow

• absence makes the heart grow fonder
• let the grass grow under one's feet

Example Sentences

The reason given for the no-underwear-in-the-evening rule was "because it would make them grow", he recalled.

From BBC

“When you grow up in a place with that history, it’s your normal,” said Petticrew, in a Zoom call with Doupe, their co-star.

From Los Angeles Times

We tell our kids they could grow up and be anything they want.

From Los Angeles Times

The World Bank expects the economy to grow by only 2.2% in 2024.

From BBC

One in 10 of these men opts for radical surgery rather than live with the anxiety of wondering whether their cancer will grow, Prof Ahmed says.

From BBC

Related Words

• advance
• age
• become
• breed
• build
• come
• cultivate
• develop
• expand
• flourish
• gain
• increase
• mature
• multiply
• produce
• raise
• rise
• spread
• sprout
• swell