Langimage
English

thrives

|thrive|

B2

/θraɪv/

(thrive)

flourishing

Base FormPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPastPast ParticiplePast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounAdjective
thrivethrivesthrivesthrivedthrovethrivedthriventhrivingthrivingthriving
Etymology
Etymology Information

'thrive' originates from Old English and Old Norse influences, specifically the Old English verb 'þrifan' and the Old Norse verb 'þrifask', where the root related to grasping and prospering.

Historical Evolution

'thrive' changed from Old English 'þrifan' and Old Norse 'þrifask' into Middle English forms such as 'thriven'/'thriven' and later developed into the modern English 'thrive'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to grasp or seize' and 'to fare well', but over time it evolved into the current predominant meaning of 'to grow, prosper, or flourish'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to grow, develop, or be successful vigorously; to flourish.

The small company thrives despite the tough market.

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Verb 2

to do well or prosper in a particular environment or under certain conditions (often used with 'on' or 'in').

She thrives on challenges and tight deadlines.

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Verb 3

to increase rapidly or be very successful (often applied to populations, businesses, or trends).

Online retailers thrive during the holiday season.

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Last updated: 2025/11/05 07:34