# thrive

/ˈθɹaɪv/ (US) · /θɹˈaɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thrive
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to grow healthily

verb · CEFR B2

to grow or develop very well because the conditions are right.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. to be successful

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to become successful, famous, or wealthy.

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

- 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.

## Examples

- Most desert plants thrive in dry, sunny weather.
- The small tech startup began to thrive after moving its headquarters to a city with more skilled workers.
- While some species struggle to adapt to urban expansion, others thrive in the concrete environment by exploiting new food sources and nesting sites that human activity provides.

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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.