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Meaning of gather steam | Babel Free

Verb CEFR B2

Definitions

To increase in strength, popularity, or energy.

informal, intransitive

Examples

“He went on, “Like the term ‘Latinx,’ ‘queer’ was started by some humanities professor and slowly gathered steam. Then well-meaning radio producers and magazine editors thought, ‘Well, I guess that’s what they want to be called now!’ But I don’t remember any vote being taken.””

CEFR level

B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
See all B2 English words →

See also

gather strength gather up gather up one's courage gather way gather'd gathered

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