What does "thrive" mean?

1. (to grow healthily) to grow or develop very well because the conditions are right. 2. (to be successful) to become successful, famous, or wealthy.

How do you use "thrive"?

Often used with the preposition 'on' to describe the source of growth. Commonly used in business or sociological contexts to describe organisations or communities.

thrive

US //ˈθɹaɪv// UK //θɹˈaɪv// thrive

Irregular verb past thrived / throve past participle thrived / thriven

1 to grow healthily (v.)
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.

Example

These tropical plants thrive in warm, humid rooms with plenty of sunlight.

Example

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.
- flourish
- bloom
- burgeon
2 to be successful (v.)
C1 Advanced Academic

to become successful, famous, or wealthy.

to prosper or achieve significant success, often within a specific professional or social context.

Example

The small tech company started to thrive after moving its office to the city centre.

Example

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.
- fail
- struggle

Origin

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.