Getting

'ɡɛtɪŋ

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
4 meanings4 idioms/phrases5 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

To receive or acquire something.

'ɡɛtɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

To come to have or receive something.

She is getting a promotion.

💡 Simply: When you're *getting* something, it's like you're receiving it or finding it. Think of getting a treat when you do a good job, or getting a letter in the mail!

👶 For kids: To get means to have something given to you or to find something.

More Examples

2

They are getting married next summer.

3

Are you getting enough sleep?

How It's Used

General

"I am getting a new car next week."

Business

"The company is getting a significant investment."

2

To arrive at or reach a destination.

'ɡɛtɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

To arrive at or reach a place.

We are getting to the concert on time.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a journey, and *getting* means you finally reach your destination, like when you *get* home from school or *get* to the beach on a sunny day.

👶 For kids: To get somewhere means to go to that place.

More Examples

2

They are getting back from their trip tomorrow.

3

She is getting to the top of the mountain.

How It's Used

Travel

"We are getting to the airport in an hour."

Everyday conversation

"Are you getting home soon?"

Tip:Visualize yourself *getting* to the finish line.
3

To experience or be subjected to something.

'ɡɛtɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

To experience or undergo something.

He is getting better.

💡 Simply: *Getting* can mean feeling something or experiencing something, like when you *get* hungry, *get* cold, or *get* a compliment. It’s all about what’s happening to you!

👶 For kids: To get something can also mean to feel something or have something happen to you.

More Examples

2

They are getting ready for the party.

3

She is getting a lot of attention.

How It's Used

General

"I'm getting a headache."

Everyday conversation

"She's getting tired."

Tip:Feel the sensation of *getting* a cold gust of wind.
4

To become or to grow into a certain state or condition.

'ɡɛtɪŋ

verbneutralBeginner
General

To become or grow.

The cake is getting cold.

💡 Simply: *Getting* can also mean that something is changing. The sun is *getting* lower in the sky, or the plants are *getting* taller.

👶 For kids: To get something can also mean that it is changing.

More Examples

2

He is getting older.

3

She is getting better at swimming.

How It's Used

Everyday conversation

"It is getting dark outside."

General

"The weather is getting warmer."

Tip:Think of the process of *getting* taller as you grow.

Idioms & expressions

get a hold of

To contact or communicate with someone.

"I need to get a hold of John to tell him the news."

get over

To recover from an illness or disappointment.

"I'm finally getting over the flu."

get along with

To have a friendly relationship with someone.

"Do you get along with your siblings?"

get it together

To become organized and controlled; to compose oneself.

"You need to get it together before the meeting."

From Middle English *geten*, from Old English *ġietan* ('to get, obtain, gain'), from Proto-Germanic *getaną* ('to grasp, seize'), from Proto-Indo-European *gʰed-* ('to grasp, seize').

The word 'get' has been used in English for centuries, with its meaning evolving over time from acquisition and motion to include various other senses.

Memory tip

Imagine reaching out and *getting* a present.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"To grasp, seize, reach"

get a jobget a gripget angryget betterget readyget dressedget along with

Common misspellings

getinggettin

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written