Grown too large for something, or developed beyond a particular stage or need. Can refer to physical growth exceeding clothing size or psychological/intellectual development beyond previous limitations.
Compound of 'out' + 'grown,' from Old English growan. The metaphorical sense of growing beyond ideas, habits, or relationships developed alongside the literal sense of physical growth exceeding boundaries.
While we usually think of outgrowing things as positive development, psychologists note that outgrowing relationships or interests can involve real grief—we're literally saying goodbye to previous versions of ourselves. Children's ability to outgrow clothes is actually a reliable indicator of proper nutrition and health.
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