Dictionary.com

thrive

[ thrahyv ]
/ θraɪv /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: thrive / thrived / thrives / thriving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), thrived or throve [throhv], /θroʊv/, thrived or thriv·en [thriv-uhn], /ˈθrɪv ən/, thriv·ing.
to prosper; be fortunate or successful.
to grow or develop vigorously; flourish: The children thrived in the country.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of thrive

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

synonym study for thrive

1. See succeed.

OTHER WORDS FROM thrive

thriv·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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?

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

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

How is thrive used in real life?

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

 

 

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

How to use thrive in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for thrive

thrive
/ (θraɪv) /

verb thrives, thriving, thrived, throve, thrived or thriven (ˈθrɪvən) (intr)
to grow strongly and vigorously
to do well; prosper

Derived forms of thrive

thriver, nounthriving, adjectivethrivingly, adverb

Word Origin for thrive

C13: from Old Norse thrīfask to grasp for oneself, reflexive of thrīfa to grasp, of obscure origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK