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View synonyms for

thrive

[ thrahyv ]

verb (used without object)

thrived or throve thrived or thriven thriving
  1. to prosper; be fortunate or successful.

    Synonyms:

  2. to grow or develop vigorously; flourish:

    The children thrived in the country.



verb phrase

  1. to do particularly well under specified conditions:

    Some plants are adapted to thrive on rainwater alone.

    She thrives on drama and chaos.

thrive

/ θɪ /

verb

  1. to grow strongly and vigorously
  2. to do well; prosper
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈٳԲ, adverb
  • ˈٳ, noun
  • ˈٳԲ, adjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ٳ· noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of thrive1

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English thriven, from Old Norse ٳīڲ “to thrive,” reflexive of ٳīڲ “to grasp”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of thrive1

C13: from Old Norse ٳīڲsk to grasp for oneself, reflexive of ٳīڲ to grasp, of obscure origin
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Synonym Study

See succeed.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

As for wok cooking on a grill, it’s about taking the intense heat that a wok thrives on and adapting it to an open fire.

From

“It’s critical — this comprehensive support system that helps families thrive by providing education, health and workforce development opportunities.”

From

"Businesses thrive on certainty, so it's unsurprising that an unpredictable global market is translating into lower levels of business investment over the short term," said Anna Anthony, EY UK & Ireland regional managing partner.

From

“ qualities do those species possess that allow them to persist or even thrive in the face of development, while these other species blink out?” he said.

From

“When our industry thrives, we think California thrives.”

From

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More About Thrive

doesٳmean?

To thrive is to grow and develop strongly.

This sense of the word can be applied to people as well as other living things, including animals and plants.

Thrive can also mean to be successful, to be fulfilled, or to develop successfully.

Both senses of thrive are often discussed alongside the specific conditions, environment, or situation that allow or help someone or something to thrive. For example, babies thrive in loving homes with the proper nutrition and care. Wild animals tend to thrive when their natural habitat is preserved. Plants thrive when they receive the right amount of sunlight and water. A person might begin to thrive in their career when they work at a place where their talents are appreciated and they’re given the freedom to try new things.

The adjective thriving can be used to describe someone or something that is developing successfully or that is being successful.

Example: Being around other creative people really helps my writing thrive.

Where doesthrive come from?

The first records of the word thrive come from the 1100s. It comes from the Old Norse word ٳīڲsk, meaning “to grasp for oneself.”

To thrive isn’t just to survive or get by—it’s to grow strong, to be successful. Some people find it hard to adapt to new or unfamiliar environments, but some people thrive in them. When the term is used in the context of infants, it typically involves physical development—like proper growth and weight gain. When it’s used in the context of children, it usually involves both physical and emotional development. When it’s used in the context of adults, it usually involves emotional stability and professional success.

Sometimes, bad things thrive. Diseases thrive in environments with poor sanitation. Corruption thrives in places without oversight.

Did you know ... ?

are some other forms of thrive?

  • thriving (adjective)
  • thrivingly (adverb)
  • thriver (noun)

are some synonyms for thrive?

are some words that share a root or word element with thrive?

are some words that often get used in discussing thrive?

How isthrive used in real life?

The word thrive is commonly used in the discussion of healthy development and success.

Try usingthrive!

Which of the following words is an antonym (opposite) of thrive?

A. suffer
B. struggle
C. falter
D. all of the above

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