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."
inseparable
cotton to
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To like or feel comfortable with someone or something.
In plain English
To start to like something or someone.
What does "cotton to" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Historically suggested sticking or adhering, as cotton fibres bond — to be drawn to or stick with something.
Actually means
To start to like something or someone.
Usage tip
Chiefly American English. Often used in the negative ('didn't cotton to') or conditional. Less common in British English, where 'cotton on' dominates instead.
Words that pair with "cotton to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea stranger change notion suggestion proposal
How to conjugate "cotton to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cotton to" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cotton to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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