Grow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grow

[ษกroสŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

To increase in size or develop gradually; to become larger or more advanced over time.

Synonyms

develop, expand, mature.

Examples of usage

  • The plants grow best in direct sunlight.
  • She watched her children grow into fine adults.
  • The city began to grow rapidly with the influx of new residents.
Context #2 | Verb

transitive

To cause something to increase in size or develop; to cultivate or nurture.

Synonyms

cultivate, foster, raise.

Examples of usage

  • He grows his own vegetables in the backyard.
  • She grew her business from a small startup to a successful company.
  • The teacher aims to grow a love for reading in her students.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A period of increasing or developing; a stage of growth.

Synonyms

development, expansion, progress.

Examples of usage

  • The company experienced significant growth in revenue this year.
  • Personal growth is essential for self-improvement.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Plants undergo a process called photosynthesis, which allows them to transform sunlight into energy, enabling them to grow.
  • The growth of organisms is influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, and available resources like water and nutrients.
  • In biological terms, growth can be characterized by cell division and enlargement, integral to the development of all living organisms.

Psychology

  • Personal growth in humans involves emotional, mental, and social development, often reflecting changes in perspective and behavior.
  • The concept of 'growth mindset,' developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
  • Growth can also pertain to resilience, where individuals learn to overcome challenges and adapt to new situations.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures celebrate growth through rituals, such as harvest festivals that acknowledge the fruits of labor.
  • The concept of personal growth is often linked to cultural wisdom, where elders share teachings about life lessons and improvement.
  • In literature, the theme of growth often explores characters overcoming obstacles and evolving through experiences.

Education

  • Educational philosophies often emphasize growth through inquiry and exploration, helping learners expand their thinking.
  • The process of learning is frequently described as 'growing one's knowledge,' highlighting the gradual accumulation of understanding.
  • Innovative teaching methods aim to create environments where students feel safe to grow intellectually and socially.

Origin of 'grow'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'growan,' which means to become or to expand.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic 'grลwลnฤ…,' indicating the long history of the concept across cultures.
  • Related words in other languages show similar meanings; for example, 'croรฎtre' in French also means to grow.

The word 'grow' originated from the Old English word 'growan', meaning 'to grow, flourish, increase'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the process of increasing in size, developing, or cultivating something. Growth is a natural phenomenon observed in plants, animals, and human beings, symbolizing progress, maturity, and evolution.


See also: grower, growing, growl, growth, outgrowth, regrow.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,760, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.