Word
grew
Phoneticsgrew
US/ˈɡɹu/
UK/ɡɹˈuː/
Definitions
01became bigger
A1 · Beginner
v. the past tense of 'grow' — you use this to say that a person, plant, or thing became larger in the past.
v. the simple past tense of 'grow', denoting past physical maturation or increase in size.
“The sunflowers grew so tall that they reached the top of the fence.”
“The oak tree grew significantly during the wet summer, eventually providing enough shade to cover the entire patio area.”
02developed or increased
B1 · Intermediate
v. to say that a business, a feeling, or an amount became stronger or larger.
v. the simple past tense of 'grow', used to describe the past expansion of abstract concepts like economies, emotions, or businesses.
“His interest in photography grew after he bought his first camera.”
“The small startup grew into a multinational corporation within a decade, largely due to its innovative approach to software distribution.”
Synonyms
Usage
The past tense of the irregular verb 'grow'. It is intransitive when something increases on its own and transitive when someone cultivates something.
Pitfall
The plant growed quickly.
The plant grew quickly.
Grow is an irregular verb; the past tense is 'grew', not 'growed'.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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