flourish
FLUHR-ihsh
Flourish (verb) means to grow, develop, or succeed vigorously. Example: “Small businesses flourished in the years after the recession ended.”
verb
1
To grow, develop, or succeed vigorously.
"Small businesses flourished in the years after the recession ended."
"Her career really began to flourish once she moved to the city."
2
To wave or brandish something in a bold, showy way.
"He flourished his ticket triumphantly as he walked through the gate."
noun
1
A bold, decorative gesture or embellishment.
"She signed the letter with an elaborate flourish."
How to use flourish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo thrive and do well, or (as a noun/verb) to make a showy, dramatic gesture.
Memory tip
Think of a plant flourishing — bursting with healthy growth — and apply that same energy to a business, career, or style of writing.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
flourish under
a flourish of the pen
businesses flourish
with a flourish
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Word forms
- Plural
- flourishes
- Third person singular
- flourishes
- Past tense
- flourished
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Small businesses _____ in the years after the recession ended.
Etymology
From Old French florir, "to flower," ultimately from Latin florere ("to bloom"), the same root behind "flower" and "florid."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for flourish
See all rhymes for flourish →Frequently asked questions
What does “flourish” mean?
The word “flourish” means to grow, develop, or succeed vigorously. In plain terms, to thrive and do well, or (as a noun/verb) to make a showy, dramatic gesture.
How do you pronounce “flourish”?
“Flourish” is pronounced FLUHR-ihsh (/ˈflʌɹ.ɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “flourish” in a sentence?
Here is “flourish” used in a sentence: “Small businesses flourished in the years after the recession ended.”
What part of speech is “flourish”?
Depending on how it is used, “flourish” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “flourish” come from?
The word “flourish” comes from Latin. From Old French florir, "to flower," ultimately from Latin florere ("to bloom"), the same root behind "flower" and "florid.".
Is “flourish” a common word?
“Flourish” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “flourish” have?
“Flourish” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to grow, develop, or succeed vigorously.
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