Flourish: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe growth or development in a positive and vigorous way, often related to businesses, activities, or personalities.

• The small startup began to flourish after it received additional funding.
• Her artistic talents truly began to flourish during her time at the university.

Use this word to refer to moving your hand or an object back and forth as a signal or greeting, or moving gently in the air.

• She waved at her friend across the street.
• The flag waved in the breeze.

This word usually means to wave or display something, especially a weapon, in a menacing or ostentatious way. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

• The knight brandished his sword, ready to defend the castle.
• She brandished the letter in front of the crowd, demanding answers.

Use this word to describe situations where someone or something is successful, especially in financial or economic terms.

• With careful planning, the family business began to prosper.
• He invested wisely and watched his savings prosper over the years.

This word is best used to indicate strong growth and success, often despite difficult conditions, applicable to people, animals, plants, and even ideas.

• The plants thrived in the sunny greenhouse.
• Despite the challenges, the community managed to thrive.

Here, flourish means a dramatic gesture or action made to attract attention, often used in performances or to describe expressive behavior.

• She signed her name with a flourish
• He made his entrance with a sweeping flourish

Implies adding extra details to make something more attractive or interesting, often used in the context of storytelling, clothing, or artistic works. It can sometimes have a slight negative connotation if the additions seem excessive or unnecessary.

• The storyteller added some embellishments to make the tale more exciting
• Her dress had beautiful embellishments along the hem

Specifically denotes objects used to make something look more beautiful, often used for holiday decor, accessories, or adornments for buildings and furniture.

• They placed ornaments on the Christmas tree
• The ancient ruins were adorned with intricate ornaments

Refers to items or elements added to make something more attractive or festive. Commonly used during holidays, parties, or to describe home decor.

• We hung up the decorations for the Christmas party
• Her office had simple, yet elegant decorations