thrive

[thrahyv]

verb (used without object)

thrived, throve, thrived, thriven. , 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. thrive on,  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

Other Word Forms

• thriver noun
• thrivingly adverb
• thriving adjective

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

Oregon’s defense just happens to thrive at stopping them.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Tough, tiny, starving and stressed out,” microbes survive and thrive to outnumber the stars in the universe—and can live for thousands, perhaps millions of years.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We're making it easier for them to thrive: no export duty, lower licensing fees, reduced tariffs, and a cap on corporation tax," they said.

Read more on BBC

L.A. was never a place in which I imagined myself thriving.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Chambers added that the need to demonstrate to others how well one is thriving also can heighten the stigma against finding care.

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Related Words

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

When To Use

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.