outgrow
C1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
To grow larger than something (e.g., clothes); to surpass or leave behind a previous stage of development, habit, or interest.
To become too mature or sophisticated for; to exceed in growth or development.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb is often used in the context of physical growth, emotional maturity, or the evolution of tastes/interests. It implies a natural, often positive, progression away from a previous state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. US spelling is 'outgrow'; UK spelling is identical.
Connotations
Similar positive connotations of development and maturation in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in US English in family/child-rearing contexts, but overall usage is comparable.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (He outgrew his jacket.)SV (The plant outgrew.) is rare; typically requires an object.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Outgrow one's britches (US, informal: become overly confident)”
- “Outgrow one's welcome (extended metaphor, less common)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The startup quickly outgrew its initial office space and had to relocate.
Academic
The theory outgrew its original paradigm, incorporating insights from multiple disciplines.
Everyday
My son has outgrown his winter coat; we need to buy a new one.
Technical
The software's user base outgrew the capacity of the legacy server architecture.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The child has outgrown all his trousers.
- She eventually outgrew her fascination with pop music.
American English
- He outgrew his allergy to peanuts.
- The company outgrew its competitors in market share.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (outgrown is the past participle adjective: an outgrown habit).
American English
- N/A (outgrown is the past participle adjective: outgrown clothes).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Babies outgrow their clothes very fast.
- He outgrew his shoes.
- I hope she'll outgrow this shyness soon.
- We need a bigger car because the children have outgrown the old one.
- The city's infrastructure cannot cope as the population outgrows its capacity.
- Many teenagers outgrow their childhood hobbies.
- The revolutionary movement had outgrown its ideological origins, becoming a broad coalition.
- His ambitions outgrew the confines of the small family business.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a plant OUT of its GROW pot. It has grown larger than its container.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVELOPMENT IS GROWTH (beyond a container/boundary).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation from 'перерасти'. While close, 'outgrow' is more specific to surpassing a size/phase. 'Перерасти в конфликт' would be 'develop into a conflict', not 'outgrow'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'overgrow' instead (which means to grow over/cover). 'He outgrew his shyness' is correct; 'He overgrew his shyness' is wrong.
- Using it as a noun: 'It was an outgrow of the project.' (Incorrect; use 'outcome' or 'result').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'outgrow' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The past tense is 'outgrew'. The past participle is 'outgrown'.
Yes, it is very commonly used for phases, habits, interests, and needs (e.g., outgrow a fear, outgrow a belief).
'Outgrow' means to grow too large for or to surpass. 'Overgrow' means to grow over something and cover it (e.g., weeds overgrow a path).
It is generally neutral or positive, implying natural development and maturation. Context can make it slightly negative if it implies abandoning something valued.