English Reference
verb

grow

v.
US /ˈɡɹoʊ/ UK /ɡɹˈəʊ/ grow UK spelling growed, grows

infinitive grow past grew past participle grown

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    to become larger in size, amount, or degree.

    to increase in physical size, magnitude, or quantity through a natural or gradual process.

    Simple

    The puppy is growing so fast that he needs a bigger bed already.

    In context

    The company's market share continues to grow despite the entry of several aggressive new competitors into the sector.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    to develop or become more mature as a person.

    to undergo natural development or progress toward maturity.

    Simple

    She has grown into a very confident young woman since starting university.

    In context

    The small startup has grown into a global enterprise with offices in over twenty countries.

    regress
  3. 03 A1 Beginner Cooking

    to take care of plants and help them live.

    to cultivate or produce a crop or plant; takes a direct object.

    Simple

    My grandmother grows tomatoes and herbs in her small backyard garden.

    In context

    Local farmers grow a variety of organic vegetables that are sold at the weekly market in the town square.

    Pitfall
    He is growing his children well. He is raising his children well.

    Use 'grow' for plants and 'raise' or 'bring up' for children.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    to gradually start to have a certain feeling or quality.

    to assume a specific condition or quality over time; functions as a copular verb.

    Simple

    As the night went on, the guests grew tired and started to leave.

    In context

    The public grew increasingly impatient with the government's failure to address the rising cost of living.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    to start to exist or appear in a specific place.

    to spring up or come into existence by a natural process.

    Simple

    Moss began to grow on the north side of the old stone wall.

    In context

    Wildflowers grow in abundance along the coastal cliffs during the early spring months.

Usage grow older · grow alongside · grow crops

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated