grow on
B1Informal
Definition
Meaning
To gradually become liked or appreciated by someone over time.
To gradually become more pleasant, acceptable, or appealing; for a habit or idea to become established or familiar.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This phrasal verb describes a process, not an instant reaction. The subject is the thing being liked (e.g., 'The painting grew on me'), and the experiencer is usually introduced with a prepositional phrase ('on me,' 'on him'). It often implies an initial indifference or dislike.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; usage and frequency are nearly identical.
Connotations
Same connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Something + grow on + someone (e.g., 'His sense of humour grew on her.')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new management style grew on the team once they saw the results.
Academic
The author's complex theoretical framework grew on the reader with subsequent study.
Everyday
I didn't like this new brand of tea at first, but it's really growing on me.
Technical
Rarely used in highly technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- That modern art piece in the lobby is really growing on me.
- The quirky sitcom never grew on my flatmate; she still hates it.
American English
- His sarcastic humor grew on his coworkers after a few months.
- This new coffee blend is definitely growing on my wife.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The song is strange, but it grows on you.
- I didn't like my new hat, but now it grows on me.
- At first, I found the city too noisy, but it grew on me after a few weeks.
- This salad dressing might grow on you if you try it again.
- Her unconventional teaching methods initially caused concern but gradually grew on the students, who began to appreciate their effectiveness.
- The director's bleak cinematic style is an acquired taste, but it tends to grow on serious film buffs.
- The novel's deliberately slow pace and dense prose may deter casual readers, but its profound themes grow on one with patient contemplation.
- Although the proposed policy framework seemed radical, its inherent logic began to grow on the committee members during the extended deliberations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a plant (GROW) slowly covering a wall (ON). At first the wall looks bare, but over time the plant makes it beautiful. Similarly, something 'grows ON you' slowly, making you like it more over time.
Conceptual Metaphor
AFFECTION/APPEAL IS A GROWING PLANT (It starts small and unnoticed, but gradually develops and occupies space in one's perception.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'расти на' – this is nonsensical in Russian.
- Avoid confusion with 'grow on' in a botanical sense (e.g., 'Moss grows on the tree').
- Correct equivalents are 'приходиться по душе со временем' or 'начинать нравиться'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'grow on' without an object ('It grew.' vs 'It grew on me.').
- Confusing with 'grow up on' (e.g., 'I grew up on this music' meaning it was part of your childhood).
- Incorrect word order: 'I grew on this music' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'grow on' mean in this sentence: 'Abstract art can be challenging, but it often grows on viewers over time.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but with a different meaning (e.g., 'Moss grows on the north side of the tree'). The idiomatic meaning 'become liked' is always figurative.
'Grow on' implies a positive change towards liking something. 'Get used to' is neutral, meaning simply to become accustomed to something, which can be positive, negative, or neutral.
No, the word order is incorrect. The idea is the subject that does the 'growing.' The correct form is: 'The idea grew on me.'
It is primarily used in informal and neutral contexts. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'become appealing to' or 'win the favor of' might be preferred.