develops
|de-vel-op|
/dɪˈvɛləp/
(develop)
growth and progress
Etymology
'develop' originates from French, specifically the word 'développer' (Modern French 'développer'), where the prefix 'dé-' meant 'reverse/undo' and the root 'velop/voloper' (from Old French 'desveloper/voloper') meant 'to wrap' or 'to roll'.
'develop' changed from Old French 'desveloper' (meaning 'to unwrap, unroll') and passed into Middle English forms such as 'developen' before becoming the modern English 'develop'.
Initially, it meant 'to unwrap or unroll (reveal what is hidden)'; over time the meaning broadened to 'cause to be revealed, to bring forth, to grow or advance', giving the modern senses of growth, elaboration, and emergence.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
third-person singular present of 'develop' (general): to grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate.
The startup develops new features every quarter and expands its user base.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'develop': (of a situation or quality) to begin to happen or exist; to come into being.
As the story develops, the protagonist faces unexpected challenges.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 3
third-person singular present of 'develop': (medicine/health) to begin to suffer from (an illness or symptom).
He develops a rash after using the new detergent.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 4
third-person singular present of 'develop': (photography/film) to treat photographic film or paper with chemicals so that a visible image appears.
She develops film in a darkroom on weekends.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/13 10:45