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grow apart

B1 neutral intransitive

To gradually become less close to someone over time as your lives, interests, or values diverge.

In plain English

When two people who used to be close friends or partners slowly stop having as much in common and don't feel as close anymore.

What does "grow apart" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To gradually become emotionally distant from someone as a result of changing interests, circumstances, or values over time.

"After college, we grew apart — she moved abroad, I stayed in the city, and we just had less and less to talk about."

"People grow apart. It doesn't have to mean anyone is wrong."

— Widely attributed sentiment; used frequently in literary and self-help contexts. No single verified source.

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To grow (develop/change) in ways that take you apart — largely transparent.

Actually means

When two people who used to be close friends or partners slowly stop having as much in common and don't feel as close anymore.

Usage tip

Always intransitive and used without an object. Very common when talking about friendships, romantic relationships, or family members. The process is gradual and rarely the result of a single event. Frequently used in a melancholy or reflective context.

Words that pair with "grow apart"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

friends couple siblings partners over time gradually

How to conjugate "grow apart"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "grow apart" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "grow apart" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "grow apart"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

become estranged distance oneself drift apart go separate ways lose touch

Keep exploring

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