English Reference
verb · noun

getting

v. · n.
US /ˈɡɛtɪŋ/ UK /ɡˈɛtɪŋ/ get·ting

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    v.the act of receiving, buying, or obtaining something.

    v.the present participle of 'get' in the sense of acquiring, receiving, or purchasing something.

    Simple

    I am getting a new phone for my birthday next week.

    In context

    The company is currently getting a lot of negative feedback regarding their recent change in privacy policy.

    Usage

    Often used in continuous tenses to describe a process of acquisition.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    v.changing into a new state or feeling.

    v.the present participle of 'get' used as a linking verb to describe a transition or change in state.

    Simple

    It is getting dark outside, so we should head home.

    In context

    The situation is getting increasingly complicated as more stakeholders voice their concerns about the budget.

    Usage

    Followed by an adjective to show a gradual change.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    v.moving toward or arriving at a place.

    v.the present participle of 'get' indicating movement toward a destination or reaching a specific location.

    Simple

    We are finally getting to the hotel after a long flight.

    In context

    Getting to the remote village requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle and several hours of careful navigation through the mountains.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Informal

    v.starting to understand a joke, a concept, or a person.

    v.the present participle of 'get' used informally to describe the process of comprehending or grasping a concept.

    Simple

    I think I am finally getting the hang of this new software.

    In context

    After several explanations, the students were finally getting the point of the complex mathematical theorem.

    understandinggraspingcomprehending
  5. 05 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of getting or collecting something.

    n.the act of obtaining or acquiring; used as a gerund or verbal noun.

    Simple

    The getting of wisdom is a lifelong process.

    In context

    The aggressive getting of market share became the firm's primary objective during the fiscal year.

    Usage

    Often appears in the structure 'the getting of [noun]'.

Usage getting a premium · getting involved · getting started

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated