outgrow

owt-GROH

Outgrow (verb) means to become too old, big, or mature for something once wanted or needed. Example: “She outgrew her fear of the dark by the time she started school.”

verb

To become too old, big, or mature for something once wanted or needed.

"She outgrew her fear of the dark by the time she started school."

"He quickly outgrew his old shoes."

How to use outgrow

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo grow past the point of still needing, fitting, or wanting something.

Common pairings

outgrow clothes outgrow a habit outgrow a phase

Word forms

outgrew past tense, outgrown past tense, outgrows singular

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Etymology

Built from "out-" plus "grow."

Frequently asked questions

What does “outgrow” mean?

The word “outgrow” means to become too old, big, or mature for something once wanted or needed. In plain terms, to grow past the point of still needing, fitting, or wanting something.

How do you pronounce “outgrow”?

“Outgrow” is pronounced owt-GROH (/ˌɑʊtˈɡɹoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “outgrow” in a sentence?

Here is “outgrow” used in a sentence: “She outgrew her fear of the dark by the time she started school.”

What part of speech is “outgrow”?

“Outgrow” is a verb.

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