thrive

[ thrahyv ]

verb (used without object)

thrived or throve [throhv], thrived or thriven [thriv, -, uh, n],thriving

1. to prosper; be fortunate or successful.

   Synonyms: advance

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

/ θraɪv /

verb

1. to grow strongly and vigorously
2. to do well; prosper

Derived Forms

• ˈthrivingly, adverb
• ˈthriver, noun
• ˈthriving, adjective

Other Words From

• thriv·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrive¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English thriven, from Old Norse thrīfast “to thrive,” reflexive of thrīfa “to grasp”

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrive¹

C13: from Old Norse thrīfask to grasp for oneself, reflexive of thrīfa to grasp, of obscure origin

Synonym Study

See succeed.

Example Sentences

"Freddie is doing a cracking job at creating an environment the players and staff feel they can thrive in."

From BBC

"UEA will not survive or thrive with fewer hardworking staff," he said.

From BBC

She says if Mehta accepts the governments proposals, competitors to Google - including new entrants - may have the chance to thrive.

From BBC

Jo says her son is now thriving, and she is optimistic about his transition to secondary school next year.

From BBC

Some early adopters of the platform also laid the groundwork for specific communities to thrive, Murray says.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• bloom
• blossom
• boom
• develop
• flourish
• grow
• mushroom
• prosper
• shine
• succeed

More About Thrive

What does thrive mean?

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 does thrive come from?

The first records of the word thrive come from the 1100s. It comes from the Old Norse word thrīfask, 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 ... ?

What are some other forms of thrive?

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

What are some synonyms for thrive?

• prosper
• flourish
• bloom

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

• failure to thrive

What are some words that often get used in discussing thrive?

• develop
• grow
• success
• environment
• potential
• healthy
• physically
• emotionally

How is thrive used in real life?

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

It just feels so cruel to keep losing your heroes while your adversaries seem to thrive.

— Asia (@AsiaChloeBrown) August 29, 2020

ATLAS UPDATE: The Humane Society of Tulsa says Atlas is thriving in his new home and is the happiest boy 🐾 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Fe6qQ71ljm

— NewsChannel 8 | KTUL (@KTULNews) April 19, 2020

a plant can’t grow in the wrong environment just like you can’t grow in a place not meant for you, here’s your sign to go where you can thrive & where you’re happy

— s h e n n a 💛✨🦋 (@shenna_brook) August 27, 2020

 

 

Try using thrive!

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

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