Outgrow

Pronunciation: /aʊtɡroʊ/

Definitions of outgrow

verb to grow too large or mature for something; to surpass or exceed in growth or development

Example Sentences

A1 Children often outgrow their clothes quickly.

A2 As we age, we may outgrow certain habits and preferences.

B1 Teenagers may outgrow their teenage angst as they mature.

B2 Some friendships can outgrow their initial closeness over time.

C1 Professional athletes may outgrow their interest in competing and retire.

C2 People can outgrow their old way of thinking and adopt new perspectives.

Examples of outgrow in a Sentence

formal Children often outgrow their clothes as they continue to grow taller.

informal I used to love that band, but I think I've outgrown their music now.

slang I used to be really into video games, but I've outgrown them now.

figurative As we mature, we outgrow certain behaviors and attitudes that no longer serve us.

Grammatical Forms of outgrow

• past tense: outgrew
• plural: outgrows
• comparative: more outgrown
• superlative: most outgrown
• present tense: outgrows
• future tense: will outgrow
• perfect tense: has outgrown
• continuous tense: is outgrowing
• singular: outgrows
• positive degree: outgrow
• infinitive: outgrow
• gerund: outgrowing
• participle: outgrown

Origin and Evolution of outgrow

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'outgrow' originated from the combination of the prefix 'out-' meaning beyond or surpassing, and the verb 'grow' meaning to increase in size or develop.

Evolution of the word: Initially used in the 17th century, the word 'outgrow' has maintained its original meaning of surpassing or exceeding in growth or development. Over time, it has also come to be used in a metaphorical sense to describe outgrowing a situation, belief, or habit.