cotton to
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To start to like something or someone.
Literal meaning: Historically suggested sticking or adhering, as cotton fibres bond — to be drawn to or stick with something.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To like, approve of, or feel at ease with someone or something.
"She never really cottoned to the idea of moving to a big city."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly American English. Often used in the negative ('didn't cotton to') or conditional. Less common in British English, where 'cotton on' dominates instead.
Commonly used with
idea stranger change notion suggestion proposal
Forms
Base
cotton to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cottons to
he/she/it
Past simple
cottoned to
yesterday
Past participle
cottoned to
have + pp
-ing form
cottoning to
continuous
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