adjectiveadverb

wachsend

growing · grow

Etwas, das größer wird oder zunimmt.

Definition & meaning

The word "wachsend" is the present participle of the German verb "wachsen" (to grow). It is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that is currently in the process of increasing in size, number, intensity, or importance.

It can be used in various contexts:

Physical growth: Describing biological entities like plants or children that are getting bigger.
Abstract growth: Describing non-physical things like "wachsendes Interesse" (growing interest) or "wachsender Einfluss" (growing influence).
Quantitative growth: Describing rising figures, such as "wachsende Bevölkerungszahlen" (growing population numbers).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammatically, "wachsend" is the Partizip I (Present Participle) of the strong verb "wachsen". It is formed by taking the infinitive of the verb and adding the suffix "-d". When used as an adjective before a noun, it takes standard German adjective endings (e.g., "ein wachsender Markt", "die wachsenden Herausforderungen").

The word originates from the Old High German "wahsan", which stems from the Proto-Germanic root "wahs-". It is cognate with the English verb "to wax" (as in the moon waxing and waning), which also signifies growth or increase.