gotten

word · lemma: get

/ˈɡɑtən/
GAH-duhn
/ɡˈɒtən/
GO-tuhn

Definition

'Gotten' is the past participle of 'get' in American English. It is used for receiving, obtaining, or becoming something, while British English often uses 'got' instead in many of these meanings.

Usage & Nuances

Most common in American English, especially in patterns like 'have gotten better', 'have gotten used to', and 'have gotten a job'. Do not use it as the simple past; say 'I got it yesterday', not 'I gotten it yesterday'. In British English, 'gotten' sounds unusual except in a few fixed uses.

Example Sentences

The weather has gotten colder.

basic

She has gotten a new phone.

basic

He has gotten very tall this year.

basic

I've gotten used to waking up early.

natural

Things have gotten a lot better since last month.

natural

How did we get so far behind? Things have really gotten out of control.

natural