thrive
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to grow or develop very well because the conditions are right.
to grow vigorously or luxuriantly; to maintain a state of excellent health and biological well-being.
Simple“These tropical plants thrive in warm, humid rooms with plenty of sunlight.”
In context“The local flora began to thrive once the invasive species were removed and the natural irrigation levels were restored.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'on' to describe the source of growth.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to become successful, famous, or wealthy.
to prosper or achieve significant success, often within a specific professional or social context.
Simple“The small tech company started to thrive after moving its office to the city centre.”
In context“Despite the economic downturn, certain niche industries continue to thrive by adapting their business models to changing consumer demands.”
UsageCommonly used in business or sociological contexts to describe organisations or communities.
“The UK’s AI minister, Kanishka Narayan, said the programme would give young people “the skills they need to thrive in the AI workplace”, amid signs of growing pressure on youth employment.”
“Flea beetles thrive in hot, dry conditions, and farmers are no longer allowed to use as many pesticides as before, meaning net covers are Harper's only defence.”
From Middle English thryven, thriven, from Old Norse þrífa (“to seize, grasp, take hold, prosper”), from Proto-Germanic þrībaną (“to seize, prosper”), from Proto-Indo-European trep-, *terp- (“to satisfy, enjoy”). Cognate with Swedish trivas, Danish trives, Norwegian Bokmål trives.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.