Bring-Up-Grow-Up | Commonly Confused Words
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Bring up vs. Grow up

Bring up

/brɪŋ ʌp/
The phrasal verb "bring up" is predominantly used in informal contexts, though it can sometimes appear in formal settings as well, particularly in discussions, meetings, or written communication. It generally means to introduce a topic, subject, or idea for discussion. For example, in a work meeting, someone might "bring up" a concern or issue that needs addressing. Another usage of "bring up" pertains to raising children, which can be seen in both informal and neutral contexts: "She was brought up in a small town." The verb has a straightforward and versatile nature that allows it to fit these different contexts seamlessly. Additionally, "bring up" can sometimes be used informally to allude to causing something to be seen on a screen, such as "Could you bring up the document?" Each of these usages highlights the phrasal verb's flexibility across various conversational and situational landscapes.

Examples:

She decided to bring up the topic at the meeting.Raising the issue now might bring up old grievances.The documentary aims to bring up important social issues.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Grow up

/ɡrəʊ ʌp/
To gradually become an adult; to mature from a child to an adult.

Examples:

She had to grow up fast after moving to the city.Watching her grow up has been a wonderful journey.They reminisced about growing up in a small village.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Bring up usually involves someone else, while grow up is more about personal development.
  • You bring up a child by taking care of them. You grow up in terms of your own maturity and experiences.
  • Think of bring up as a nurturing process that can be done by parents or guardians. Grow up refers to the process of maturing into adulthood.
  • Bring up can refer to an action performed by guardians; it focuses on the upbringing aspect. Grow up is an experience undergone by the child.
  • Both phrases are often used in the context of childhood and development, but from different perspectives.
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