The spelling of "gotten know" is actually incorrect. The correct phrase is "got to know," with a /gɑt/ sound instead of /gɒtən/. The pronunciation of "gotten" is common in certain regional dialects of English, particularly in the United States. However, it is important to note that it is not considered standard in most varieties of English. The correct and common spelling and pronunciation for the phrase is "got to know."
"gotten to know" is a colloquial phrase that refers to the act of becoming acquainted or familiar with someone or something over a period of time. It is made up of two components: "gotten," which is the past participle of the verb "get," and "know," which means to understand or have knowledge of. This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations and social contexts.
When someone says they have gotten to know someone, it implies that they have spent enough time interacting or engaging with that individual to have developed a certain level of understanding and familiarity. This could include learning about their personality, interests, beliefs, or experiences, gaining insight into their character, or becoming aware of their strengths and weaknesses.
Similarly, "gotten to know" can also pertain to objects, places, or concepts. For example, if someone says they have gotten to know a city, it means they have explored it extensively, learned about its culture, history, attractions, and possibly even formed preferences or opinions about it.
The phrase "gotten to know" signifies a gradual process of acquiring knowledge or forming connections with someone or something. It suggests a deeper level of understanding beyond mere acquaintance, emphasizing the time and effort dedicated to building a relationship or familiarity.
The word "gotten" in the context of "gotten to know" is derived from the Old English word "gitan" (pronounced "yee-tan"). "Gitan" originally meant "to obtain" or "to acquire". Over time, it evolved and came to mean "to come to have" or "to become". In Middle English, "gotten" was commonly used to indicate the process of obtaining or acquiring something.
As for the word "know", it is derived from the Old English word "cnawan", which meant "to perceive" or "to recognize". In Old English, the verb "cnawan" was used to imply a deep level of understanding or familiarity with someone or something.
When combined, "gotten know" implies acquiring or obtaining familiarity with someone or something, particularly through a process of getting to know them better or becoming more acquainted with them.