thrive
//θɹajv//
Forms
- present (v1)
- thrive
- past (v2)
- thrived
- past participle (v3)
- thrived
- present participle
- thriving
- 3rd person singular
- thrives
Definitions
1.To grow or increase stature; to grow vigorously or luxuriantly; to enjoy a state of excellent health and well-being; to flourish.
- Not all animals thrive well in captivity.
- So, on I went. I think I never saw / Such starved ignoble nature; nothing throve: / For flowers - as well expect a cedar grove!
- “It seems to me, reverend father,” said the knight, “that the small morsels which you eat, together with this holy, but somewhat thin beverage, have thriven with you marvellously.”
2.To increase in wealth or success; to prosper, be profitable.
- Since expanding in June, the business has really thrived.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4827
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
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”).