English Dictionary

Definition of “thrive

thrive (θraɪvPronunciation for thrive

Definitions

verb

Word forms: thrives, thriving, thrived, throve, thrived, thriven, ˈθrɪvən
(intr)
  1. to grow strongly and vigorously
  2. to do well; prosper

Alternative Forms

ˈthriver noun ˈthriving adjective ˈthrivingly adverb

Word Origin

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

Usage examples

  • The brain is its own universe and thoughts are living things which thrive or die according to natural laws.
    Zindell, David, The Broken God (1993)
  • But in cancer cells, which grow uncontrollably and ignore the cell death process, the virus was able to thrive and spread rapidly.
    New Scientist (2004)
  • We're going there anyway The easiest prediction is that Toronto will continue to thrive.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Britain will thrive with its own currency says opposition leader William Hague.
    Sun, News of the World (2000)
  • Some bacteria thrive in this environment, I am told, which proves that bacteria can live just about anywhere.
    Richard Fortey, THE EARTH: An Intimate History (2004)

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