grow

Grow is a verb meaning to increase in size, quantity, or importance, or to develop through growth. The term appears in many contexts, from biology to economics. Etymology: from Old English grōwan, related to Dutch groeien and German wachsen.

In biology, growth describes increases in size and often involves cell division and expansion. Organismal growth follows genetic potential and environmental conditions; in plants growth is influenced by hormones such as auxins and gibberellins and by resources like light and water. In microbiology, growth refers to increases in cell number under favorable conditions.

In economics and demography, growth denotes an increase in output, income, population, or other metrics over time. Economic growth is typically measured by gross domestic product (GDP) or value added; population growth tracks births versus deaths and migration. Growth rates can be constant or variable and are modeled with curves, such as exponential or logistic growth.

Measurement and analysis: growth is commonly expressed as a rate or as compound growth over intervals; growth curves help visualize progression. Factors influencing growth include genetics, nutrition, health, environment, and social conditions.

In everyday language, grow can describe personal or organizational development, such as growing awareness, a growing business, or a garden that grows from seeds. The term also appears in phrases like growth mindset, growth hormone, or sustainable growth, reflecting different domains where increasing size, capability, or impact is a focus.