# prosper

/ˈpɹɑspɝ/ (US) · /pɹˈɒspɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prosper
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to be successful

verb · CEFR B2

to be successful and do well, especially by making money or becoming healthy and strong.

For teachers: to thrive or flourish, particularly through financial success, healthy growth, or favorable circumstances.

- The new bakery started to prosper once more people moved into the neighborhood.
- Despite the regional economic downturn, several niche tech firms continued to prosper by pivoting toward international markets.

Usage: This verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Teaching tip: While 'succeed' is a general term for reaching a goal, 'prosper' specifically suggests a state of ongoing growth, wealth, or health.

### 2. to grow or increase

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to grow well and become strong, like a plant or a community.

For teachers: to grow vigorously or increase in stature or strength.

- The flowers will prosper if you give them enough sunlight and water.
- The local arts scene began to prosper after the city council converted the old warehouses into affordable studio spaces.

Teaching tip: In modern English, using 'prosper' for plants is less common than 'thrive' or 'flourish' and carries a slightly more formal or literary tone.

## Examples

- The small business continues to prosper in the new neighborhood.
- Local farmers hope the crops will prosper this season after the long-awaited rainfall.
- While many industries struggled during the economic downturn, the technology sector managed to prosper by adapting quickly to the shift in consumer behavior.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.