Word
thrive
US/ˈθɹaɪv/
UK/θɹˈaɪv/
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
thrive
Past
thrived / throve
Past participle
thrived / thriven
Definitions
01to grow healthily
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to grow or develop very well because the conditions are right.
v. to grow vigorously or luxuriantly; to maintain a state of excellent health and biological well-being.
“These tropical plants thrive in warm, humid rooms with plenty of sunlight.”
“The local flora began to thrive once the invasive species were removed and the natural irrigation levels were restored.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'on' to describe the source of growth.
02to be successful
C1 · Advanced Academic
v. to become successful, famous, or wealthy.
v. to prosper or achieve significant success, often within a specific professional or social context.
日本語:栄える※
“The small tech company started to thrive after moving its office to the city centre.”
“Despite the economic downturn, certain niche industries continue to thrive by adapting their business models to changing consumer demands.”
Usage
Commonly used in business or sociological contexts to describe organisations or communities.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “thrive” in context.
Verb
01. continue to thrive
“The local arts scene continues to thrive despite the recent cuts in government funding.”
verb + infinitive
02. survive and thrive
“The goal of the startup incubator is to help new businesses survive and thrive in a competitive market.”
verb + and + verb
Preposition
03. thrive in an environment
“Creative individuals often thrive in an environment that encourages risk-taking and experimentation.”
verb + prep + noun
04. thrive on pressure
“He is the kind of executive who thrives on pressure and tight deadlines.”
verb + prep + noun
05. thrive under the leadership
“The department began to thrive under the leadership of the new director.”
verb + prep + noun
Adverb
06. positively thrive
“Some people find public speaking terrifying, but she seems to positively thrive under the spotlight.”
adv + verb
07. thrive remarkably well
“Despite the harsh climate, these native plants thrive remarkably well in the rocky soil.”
verb + adv
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Life may exist on other planets in the form of archaea – unicellular organisms that can thrive in extreme conditions – without ever evolving as far as sponges, much less plants and animals.” “Shuttleworth is more optimistic, saying with a "ruthless focus" Argos can thrive and even put Amazon under pressure.” Etymology
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.
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/thrive
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0