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

• thrivingly adverb
• thriver noun
• 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

"We're just providing a safe space for them until we can get them back out into a habitat where they can thrive and survive."

Read more on BBC

Isak and Salah are both players who thrive when attacking at speed, facing defenders, in space.

Read more on BBC

To future-proof our forests, a 'species for the future' list has been released highlighting thirty trees likely to thrive in a warmer climate.

Read more on BBC

Whatever the medium — art, sport or digital — Black celebrities are thriving.

Read more on Salon

America’s smallest public companies have been thriving this year in an economy that finally seems to reward them — lower interest rates, steady economic growth and a financial market once again hungry for risk.

Read more on MarketWatch

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.