Thrive: meaning, definitions and examples

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thrive

 

[ θraɪv ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in business

Prosper; flourish. To grow or develop vigorously; to be successful or make steady progress.

Synonyms

blossom, flourish, prosper, succeed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thrive

Used when someone or something is growing or developing well, especially in a challenging environment.

  • Despite the harsh climate, the plants thrived in the garden.
  • She thrived in her new job, quickly becoming a top performer.
prosper

Refers to financial or economic success, often used in business contexts.

  • The family's business prospered during the economic boom.
  • He hopes to prosper in his new venture.
flourish

Implies thriving in a very visible or noticeable way, often used for businesses, arts, or societies.

  • Under her leadership, the company flourished.
  • The arts community has flourished in this small town.
succeed

Describes achieving a goal or completing something successfully. General term for achievement.

  • She studied hard and succeeded in passing the exam.
  • They succeeded in their mission to save the historic building.
blossom

Typically refers to plants or people developing beautifully, often over time. Can be used metaphorically for personal growth.

  • The apple tree blossomed early this year.
  • She has really blossomed since she started taking art classes.

Examples of usage

  • Despite the challenging economic conditions, the company continues to thrive.
  • The tech industry is known for its ability to thrive even in uncertain times.
Context #2 | Verb

in nature

To grow or develop well or vigorously. To be successful or make steady progress in a natural environment.

Synonyms

bloom, flourish, grow, prosper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thrive

Used to describe a situation where someone or something is doing exceptionally well, often despite adverse conditions.

  • Despite the challenging environment, the small business continued to thrive
flourish

Used when talking about someone or something achieving a high level of success or development, often over a period of time.

  • Her art career began to flourish after she moved to the city
  • The plant will flourish in direct sunlight
prosper

Typically used to talk about financial success or overall well-being over time.

  • The family business continued to prosper
  • He hopes to prosper in his new career
bloom

Commonly used to describe flowers when they start to open up, but can also metaphorically describe a person or thing that is developing in a beautiful or successful way.

  • The garden began to bloom in the spring
  • She has really started to bloom in her new role at the company
grow

A general term for increasing in size, quantity, or significance. It can be used for both physical and metaphorical growth.

  • Children grow very fast
  • His interest in music continues to grow

Examples of usage

  • The plants in the garden seem to thrive in the sunlight.
  • The wildlife sanctuary provides a safe place for animals to thrive.

Translations

Translations of the word "thrive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prosperar

🇮🇳 फूलना

🇩🇪 gedeihen

🇮🇩 berkembang

🇺🇦 процвітати

🇵🇱 prosperować

🇯🇵 繁栄する (han'ei suru)

🇫🇷 prospérer

🇪🇸 prosperar

🇹🇷 gelişmek

🇰🇷 번영하다 (beonyeonghada)

🇸🇦 يزدهر (yazdahir)

🇨🇿 prospívat

🇸🇰 prospievať

🇨🇳 繁荣 (fánróng)

🇸🇮 uspevati

🇮🇸 blómstra

🇰🇿 гүлдену

🇬🇪 აყვავება (aqvaveba)

🇦🇿 çiçəklənmək

🇲🇽 prosperar

Etymology

The word 'thrive' originated from the Old Norse word 'þrífa', meaning 'to grasp, seize'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify growth, prosperity, and success. The concept of thriving has been celebrated in various cultures throughout history, symbolizing abundance and vitality.

See also: thriver, thriving.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,338, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.