grow up — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings

1 become an adultTo change from being a child to being an adult, both physically and mentally.
2 stop behaving childishlyTo start acting in a more mature and responsible way, not like a child.

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Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

become an adult

B1grow up sthMost common

To change from being a child to being an adult, both physically and mentally.

I grew up in a small town by the sea.

A: Where did you grow up?
B: I grew up in London, actually.

When I was a child, I grew up with my grandparents, so family has always been important to me.

Common mistake

✗I grew up in a farm.

✓I grew up on a farm.

'Grow up ON a farm' (but 'IN a town/city').

Tell it apart

I grew up in Spain.

spent my childhood

Oh, grow up!

stop being childish

Use 'grow up' to talk about your childhood or where you spent your early years.'Grow up' is about becoming older and more mature, not about increasing in size.

Often paired with

grow up + place

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stop behaving childishly

B2grow up sthspoken

To start acting in a more mature and responsible way, not like a child.

It's time for you to grow up and take responsibility for your actions.

A: You can't just quit when things get hard.
B: I know, I guess I need to grow up.

Some people think young adults today should grow up faster and become independent earlier.

Common mistake

✗You need to grow up yourself.

✓You need to grow up.

'Grow up' (act mature) is intransitive — no reflexive object.

Tell it apart

Grow up and take some responsibility.

act mature

I grew up in Leeds.

spent my childhood

This sense is often used to tell someone to act more maturely.This is about behavior, not age or physical growth.

Often paired with

grow up

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become an adult stop behaving childishly