How Do You Spell GROW ON?

Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈə͡ʊ ˈɒn] (IPA)

The phrase "grow on" is spelled with a silent "w", which often confuses native and non-native English speakers alike. The phonetic transcription of "grow on" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is [ɡroʊ ɑn]. The spelling is derived from Old English, where the "w" was pronounced as a "u" sound. Over time, the "w" became silent, but the spelling remained. So while the spelling may seem unusual, it is a remnant of the word's long history in the English language.

GROW ON Meaning and Definition

1. The phrasal verb "grow on" is used to describe a process in which one's fondness or liking for something gradually develops or increases over time. It implies that initially, one might have had a neutral or negative opinion towards a person, object, place, or idea, but as time goes by, they start to appreciate or enjoy it more.

   To elaborate, "grow on" can be likened to the gradual growth or spreading of a pleasant feeling or attachment towards something, as if it were growing on one's mind or heart. This expression suggests that familiarity or repeated exposure plays a significant role in altering one's initial perception.

   For instance, if someone starts a new job and doesn't have an immediate liking for their coworker, they might say, "At first, I didn't think I would get along with John, but he has really grown on me over the past few weeks."

   Similarly, it can be used to describe the gradual development of an affinity for a certain type of music, a specific style of art, or even a particular cuisine. It implies that the more one engages with or experiences something, the more they come to appreciate and enjoy it.

   Overall, "grow on" signifies the incremental process of forming an affinity or liking for something over time, as familiarity and exposure gradually alter one's initial perception, leading to an increased appreciation or enjoyment.

Common Misspellings for GROW ON

• growon

Etymology of GROW ON

The phrase "grow on" is a phrasal verb composed of the verb "grow" and the preposition "on". It evolved from the Old English word "growan", which meant "to increase, thrive, or be augmented in size".The preposition "on" here carries the sense of "in intensity or influence over time". So, when something "grows on" you, it means that your liking or appreciation for it gradually increases or intensifies as you become more familiar with it.

Idioms with the word GROW ON

• not grow on trees The idiom "not grow on trees" means that something is not readily available or abundant, implying that it is difficult to obtain or acquire. It suggests that valuable or desirable things cannot be easily found, and one must work hard or make a special effort to obtain them.
• Money does not grow on trees. The idiom "Money does not grow on trees" means that money is not easily or readily available and must be earned through hard work and effort. It emphasizes the idea that financial resources are limited and should be managed and used wisely.
• grow on you The idiom "grow on you" means that something or someone becomes more appealing or likeable over time, even if you initially have a neutral or negative impression. It suggests a gradual development of positive feelings or attachment towards the subject in question.
• grow on sm The idiom "grow on someone" refers to the process of gradually becoming more appealing or likeable to someone over time. It suggests that initially, someone may not feel a strong affinity or attraction towards a person, thing, or idea, but as they spend more time with it or become more familiar, it starts to become more enjoyable, interesting, or attractive.
• money doesn’t grow on trees The idiom "money doesn't grow on trees" is used to convey the idea that one cannot obtain money easily or without effort. It emphasizes the importance of hard work, responsibility, and careful management of financial resources as opposed to expecting easy or unlimited access to money.
• grow on trees The idiom "grow on trees" means that something is very abundant or easily accessible, as if it were readily available like fruit growing on trees. It implies that something is in great supply and can be obtained with little effort or cost.
• grow on someone The idiom "grow on someone" means to gradually begin to like or appreciate something or someone, even if initially skeptical or disinterested. It refers to the process of warming up to or developing a fondness for someone or something over time.
• money doesn't grow on trees The idiom "money doesn't grow on trees" means that money is not easily obtained and requires hard work or effort to earn. It emphasizes the idea that money is not readily available or abundant, and one cannot expect to acquire it effortlessly or without effort.
• grow on To become more liked or appealing over time.