1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To gradually become more liked or appealing to someone, especially after an initially neutral or negative impression.
"I didn't love this album when I first heard it, but it's really grown on me."
inseparable
grow on
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To become more pleasing or appealing to someone over time, especially something that was not liked at first.
In plain English
When something you didn't really like at first slowly becomes something you enjoy more and more.
What does "grow on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Like a plant growing on a surface — the thing attaches itself to you gradually.
Actually means
When something you didn't really like at first slowly becomes something you enjoy more and more.
Usage tip
Almost always used in the pattern 'it grows on you' or 'she/he grew on me.' The subject is the thing or person becoming more appealing — not the person experiencing the change. Very natural in everyday speech about music, food, people, and places.
Words that pair with "grow on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
music taste person place habit film
How to conjugate "grow on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
grow on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
grows on
he/she/it
Past simple
grew on
yesterday
Past participle
grown on
have + pp
-ing form
growing on
continuous
Hear "grow on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "grow on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "grow on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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