Browse all

grow into

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To slowly become the right size for something, or to slowly become good at a role or job that was difficult at first.

Literal meaning: To grow until you fit into something — transparent in literal sense.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To grow physically until something fits — used especially of children growing to fit clothing or shoes.

"The coat is a little big on her right now, but she'll grow into it by next winter."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To gradually develop the skills, confidence, or character needed to fulfil a role or responsibility effectively.

"She felt overwhelmed at first, but she's really grown into the leadership position over the past year."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To develop into a particular type of person or thing over time.

"The small protest movement grew into one of the most significant civil rights campaigns in the country's history."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Has both a literal sense (a child growing to fit clothes) and an important figurative sense (someone developing to fill a role). The figurative sense is very common in professional and personal development contexts.

Commonly used with

role job shoes clothes leader responsibility

Forms

Base
grow into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
grows into
he/she/it
Past simple
grew into
yesterday
Past participle
grown into
have + pp
-ing form
growing into
continuous

Understand "grow into" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

develop into mature into come into one's own fill become

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "grow into" on Looplines