grow apart
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle apart
Meanings
Gradually become less interested in each other
Why “apart”? A whole opens into separate pieces, or people move away from each other.
“They grew apart at university.”
“The band grew apart after the tour ended.”
Don't confuse with
Grow apart means gradually become less interested in each other. Grow up means reach adulthood or mature.
Test yourself
“They grew apart at university.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
grow up
A contrast learners often mix up
Reach adulthood; mature
come apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Break into pieces or stop holding together
drift apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Slowly become less close to someone
fall apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Break into separate pieces because something is broken; Become unable to cope emotionally; (of a relationship, plan or system) collapse
pull apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Separate two people or things by force
take apart
Same apart pattern: separation
Disassemble completely; Criticise harshly
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