grow

Definition

To become larger, to increase in magnitude.

Etymology

From Middle English growen, from Old English grōwan (“to grow, increase, flourish, germinate”), from Proto-West Germanic *grōan, from Proto-Germanic *grōaną (“to grow, grow green”), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰreh₁- (“to grow, become green”). Cognates Cognate with Scots grow, grew (“to grow”), North Frisian grojen, growen (“to grow”), West Frisian groeie (“to grow”), Dutch groeien (“to grow”), German Low German grojen (“to green; thrive; take hold; flourish”), Middle High German grüejen (“to grow, grow green”), Danish gro (“to grow”), Norwegian gro (“to grow”), Swedish gro (“to germinate, grow, sprout”), Icelandic gróa (“to grow”), Latin herba (“plant, herb, weed”), Swedish gröda (“crop”), North Frisian greyde (“growth, pasture”). Related to growth, grass, green.

Example Sentences

• "Children grow quickly."
• "[...] but the dangers to trespassers, especially children, are growing, and a vigorous educational programme is urged."
• "Apples now grow all over the world."