Grow apart To become distant or less close over time. After years of marriage, the couple grew apart and eventually decided to divorce. After college, many friends grow apart as they pursue their own careers and start families. Siblings may grow apart as they get older and start families of their own, but many still maintain strong bonds and support each other throughout their lives.

Grow back To regrow or to re-develop something that was lost, damaged, or removed. After the surgery, it took several months for his hair to grow back. Some species of lizards have the ability to grow back their tails if they are severed. After accidentally cutting her toenail too short, it took a few weeks for it to grow back to its normal length. After a wildfire, the vegetation in the affected areas can take years to grow back, and in some cases, the soil can become eroded and barren.

Grow into (1) To develop gradually and over time into a particular state, role, or characteristic. As the child grew into adolescence, he began to develop a passion for music and spent hours each day practicing his guitar. The company started as a small family business, but over time it grew into a multinational corporation with operations all over the world. The small town had always been known for its agriculture, but over the years it grew into a thriving tourist destination, with hotels, restaurants, and shops lining the streets.

Grow into (2) To fit or fill something, such as clothes or shoes, as the body grows or changes over time. These shoes are too big for my son, but he'll grow into them by next year. When buying kids' clothes, it's always a good idea to buy a size up so that they can grow into them and wear them for longer. She bought the dress in a size larger than what she usually wears, knowing that she would eventually grow into it as she gained more weight during her pregnancy.

Grow on To begin to like something or someone more as you become more familiar with them over time. At first, the new boss seemed unfriendly, but she grew on me after a few weeks. At first, I didn't like this song, but it's really grown on me after hearing it a few times. I wasn't a fan of sushi at first, but it's grown on me over the years. Now it's one of my favorite foods.

Grow out (1) For something, such as hair, nails, or plants, to become longer or larger over time. She decided to let her nails grow out for a while before getting a manicure. When she was a teenager, she first began to let her hair grow out, keeping it around waist length. After planting the seeds, it took a few weeks for the sprouts to grow out and develop into healthy plants.

Grow out of (2) To become too large or big for something, such as clothes, shoes, or other items due to physical growth. Why spend a lot of money on children's clothes? They'll just grow out of them so fast! She had to buy new clothes for her child because they had grown out of all their old ones.

Grow out of (3) To no longer have a particular behavior, preference, or characteristic as one matures or develops over time. Some people are naturally shy, but many are able to grow out of their shyness as they gain confidence and social skills over time. Children who are afraid of the dark often grow out of the fear as they get older and become more comfortable with the world around them. Many people start out in entry-level jobs, but most eventually grow out of them and move on to higher-paying, more challenging positions. Many people start smoking in their youth, but most eventually grow out of the habit as they realize the health risks and social stigma associated with it.

Grow up To become an adult; to mature and become more responsible. My parents always told me that I needed to grow up and start taking responsibility for my actions. I grew up in a small town in the Midwest, where everyone knew each other and life moved at a slower pace. Growing up, I was always interested in science and technology, which led me to pursue a career in engineering.