grow

The word “grow” means to increase in size, amount, or extent over time. In plain terms, to get bigger, develop, or cultivate something so it develops.

“Grow” is pronounced GROH (/ˈɡɹoʊ/ in IPA).

Here is “grow” used in a sentence: “The company has grown rapidly over the past five years.”

The opposite of “grow” — its antonyms — is shrink.

“Grow” is a verb.

The word “grow” comes from Old English. From Old English grōwan, meaning to grow or flourish, sharing a root with the words growth, grass, and green.

“Grow” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Grow” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to increase in size, amount, or extent over time.

'Grow' suggests gradual, often natural or organic development, like a child growing or a plant growing taller. 'Increase' is more general and neutral, referring to any rise in number or amount, which can be sudden. Prices increase; living things grow. In business, though, the two are often used interchangeably.

The main opposites are 'shrink' and 'decline,' describing a decrease in size or amount. 'Contract,' 'diminish,' and 'wither' also work depending on context — 'wither' for plants, 'contract' for economies. When something stops expanding and gets smaller over time, it is the reverse of growing.

Yes. When people say a business grows, they mean it expands — earning more revenue, gaining customers, hiring staff, or opening new locations. This growth can be gradual or rapid. The word borrows from living things, picturing a company that develops and gets bigger over time much like an organism does.