Development Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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development

[dษชหˆvษ›lษ™pmษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

software

The process of creating, designing, and maintaining software applications.

Synonyms

advancement, growth, progress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
development

General term often used for the process of improvement or expansion in various fields such as technology, business, or personal skills.

  • The development of new software has revolutionized the industry
  • Personal development is important for career growth
progress

Refers to forward movement or improvement in a project, process, or goal. Often used when discussing general improvements or success.

  • The team has made excellent progress on the project
  • Social progress in the community is important for overall well-being
advancement

Typically used in professional or academic contexts to describe a move forward or improvement in one's career or field of study.

  • She received an award for her significant advancement in cancer research
  • Career advancement opportunities are limited in this small company
growth

Often used to describe an increase in size, number, or importance, particularly in economic terms or business contexts.

  • The company has seen remarkable growth in revenue over the past year
  • Watching the rapid growth of the city can be quite fascinating

Examples of usage

  • She is in charge of the development of the new mobile app.
  • Continuous development is essential in the tech industry.
Context #2 | Noun

economic

The growth and improvement of a country's economy, infrastructure, and living standards.

Synonyms

advancement, growth, progress.

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Word Description / Examples
development

Used in a broad sense when something evolves or changes over time. Often applicable in technology, real estate, personal skills, or project phases.

  • The software is still in the development phase
  • The development of the new shopping mall is on schedule
progress

Describes movement towards a goal or an improvement in a situation. It can be used in various formal and informal settings.

  • We have made significant progress in our project
  • Social progress takes time and effort
advancement

Refers specifically to progress in terms of career, technology, or society. Often used in formal contexts.

  • Her advancement in the company was rapid
  • The advancement in medical technology has saved many lives
growth

Typically used when something increases in size, number, or importance over time. Commonly used in business, personal improvement, or nature.

  • The company's growth this quarter has been impressive
  • Children's growth is most rapid in the first few years

Examples of usage

  • Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the development of the region.
  • Sustainable development aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Context #3 | Noun

personal

The process of personal growth, learning, and self-improvement.

Synonyms

growth, progress, self-improvement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
development

Useful in describing stages of personal or professional improvement.

  • His recent development in leadership skills is noteworthy
  • The development of her artistic abilities is impressive
growth

Best suited for describing an increase in size, number, or importance. Commonly used in business, economy, and personal contexts.

  • The company has experienced significant growth over the past year
  • Personal growth often comes from overcoming challenges
self-improvement

Specifically refers to the individual effort to make oneself better in various aspects such as skills, relationships, and habits.

  • Reading books on self-improvement has helped him become more confident
  • Her dedication to self-improvement has led to a healthier lifestyle
progress

Ideal for talking about forward movement or continuous improvement towards a goal or general advancement. Can be used in personal, technological, educational, or societal contexts.

  • She has made great progress in her studies
  • Technological progress is changing the way we live

Examples of usage

  • She is dedicated to her personal development and takes courses regularly.
  • Reading is a great way to invest in personal development.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In child psychology, development is broken into stages, like how children learn to walk or talk at different ages.
  • Psychologist Jean Piaget outlined four stages of cognitive development, emphasizing how children learn and think differently at each stage.

Economics

  • Economic development focuses on improving the living standards and economic health of a region, often through infrastructure and education.
  • Countries often measure their development through metrics like GDP, literacy rates, and healthcare access.

Technology

  • Software development involves writing and maintaining code, often broken down into cycles like planning, designing, and testing.
  • Agile development is a method in technology that emphasizes flexibility and constant feedback during creation, resembling a collaborative art project.

Biology

  • In biology, development refers to the processes through which organisms grow and change, such as embryonic development in animals.
  • The study of development in biology often looks at how genes and environmental factors interact to shape an organism's growth.

Origin of 'development'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'desvelopper' which means 'to unwrap,' suggesting the idea of revealing or bringing out potential.
  • In the 15th century, 'development' referred specifically to the unrolling of something, much like unwrapping a gift.

The word 'development' originated from the Old French word 'developper', meaning 'unwrap, unfurl, unfold'. It was first used in the 1760s in the context of growth and progress. Over time, 'development' has evolved to encompass various aspects of growth and improvement, from software to economic and personal development.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #176, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.