/
grəʊ/
v.
(past grew
/gruː/
; past part. grown
/grəʊn/
)
- (of a living thing) undergo natural development by increasing in size and changing physically.
▸
(grow up)
progress to maturity or adulthood.
▸
(grow out of or into)
become too large (or large enough) to wear.
- come into existence and develop.
▸(with reference to a plant) germinate or cause to germinate and develop.
- become larger or greater over time; increase.
▸develop or expand (an enterprise or business).
▸become increasingly:
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we grew braver.
-
(grow on)
become gradually more appealing to.
Phrase
- grow on trees
[usu. with neg.]
informal be plentiful or easily obtained.
Derivative
Usage
The use of grow as a transitive verb has long been standard in contexts which refer to growing one's hair and plants (more land was needed to grow crops). More recently, however, it has extended its transitive sense and become popular in business jargon: entrepreneurs who are struggling to grow their businesses. This is still a relatively new usage, and it is perhaps better to avoid it in formal contexts.
Etymology
OE grōwan, of Gmc origin; rel. to grass and green.
