catch on — to become popular or fashionable; to start to understand something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become popular or fashionable; to start to understand something
Pronunciation (IPA): /kætʃ ɑːn/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother still hasn't caught on to using smartphones, but she's getting there!
- The coffee shop's 'pay it forward' system really caught on in our neighborhood.
- It took me a while to catch on that my coworkers were planning a surprise party.
catch on
VERB[/kætʃ ɑːn/]
to become popular or fashionable; to start to understand something
The new dance move started to catch on with everyone at the party.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'cacchen' (to chase, capture) combined with the adverb 'on'. The word 'catch' has Old Norse roots through Norman French, while 'on' is a Germanic preposition meaning 'upon' or 'in contact with'.
Breakdown
catch (to seize, capture) + on (upon, in contact with) = catch on (to grasp mentally; to become widespread)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother still hasn't caught on to using smartphones, but she's getting there!”
“The coffee shop's 'pay it forward' system really caught on in our neighborhood.”
“It took me a while to catch on that my coworkers were planning a surprise party.”
“His terrible jokes never seem to catch on, but he keeps trying anyway.”
📚Related Words
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