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."
inseparable
grow into
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To gradually become suited to or capable of something, or to become big enough to fit into something.
In plain English
To slowly become the right size for something, or to slowly become good at a role or job that was difficult at first.
What does "grow into" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To grow until you fit into something — transparent in literal sense.
Actually means
To slowly become the right size for something, or to slowly become good at a role or job that was difficult at first.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "grow into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
role job shoes clothes leader responsibility
How to conjugate "grow into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "grow into" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "grow into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "grow into"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
become come into one's own develop into fill mature into
Keep exploring
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