English Reference

Word

flourish

Phoneticsflour·ish, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈfɫɝɪʃ/

UK/flˈʌɹɪʃ/

Definitions

01to grow or thrive

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to grow, develop, or be very successful.

v. to grow vigorously or thrive in a favourable environment; often used for plants, businesses, or artistic movements.

“The small business began to flourish after they started selling their products online.”

“Wildflowers flourish in the valley during the spring, covering the entire landscape in a vibrant carpet of purple and gold.”

02a musical fanfare

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Music Formal

n. a short, exciting piece of music played by trumpets.

n. a short, lively musical passage or fanfare, typically played to announce the arrival of someone important.

“A flourish of trumpets announced the arrival of the queen.”

“The ceremony opened with a brass flourish that echoed through the cathedral, silencing the gathered crowd.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “flourish” in context.

Verb

01. flourish in the environment

“Certain species of orchids flourish in the humid environment of the rainforest.”

verb + prep + noun

02. flourish under the leadership

“The department began to flourish under the leadership of the new director.”

verb + prep + noun

Noun

03. dramatic flourish

“He signed the contract with a dramatic flourish, signaling the end of the negotiations.”

adj + noun

04. final flourish

“The chef added a sprig of mint as a final flourish to the dessert.”

adj + noun

Preposition

05. with a flourish

“She opened the curtains with a flourish to reveal the stunning mountain view.”

prep + noun

Adverb

06. continue to flourish

“Despite the economic downturn, boutique coffee shops continue to flourish in the city.”

verb + infinitive

07. flourish remarkably

“The local arts scene has flourished remarkably since the new gallery opened.”

verb + adv

Real-World Examples

“The discovery of “extremophiles”, primitive organisms that thrive in extreme conditions, has shown that living things can flourish under two miles of ice and in hot springs that reach 208F (98C).”
The Guardian 11 Aug 2026
“They’re different ways of sustaining the ancient biological partnership that allows our bodies – and our minds – to flourish.”
The Guardian 9 Aug 2026
“Nicholson said the government should look at demand for stable career prospects, affordable housing and the need "for a place where they can feel welcome and that they can feel that they can flourish".”
BBC News 13 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English floryschen, from Old French florir (via the arrhizotonic stem floriss-), from Late Latin flōrīre, from Latin flōrēre, from Latin flōrem (“flower”, noun). Corresponds to flower + -ish.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domains

ArchitectureMusic

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Frequent
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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