verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

flourish

FLUHR-ihsh

Flourish (verb) means to grow, develop, or succeed vigorously. Example: “Small businesses flourished in the years after the recession ended.”

verb

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."

To wave or brandish something in a bold, showy way.

"He flourished his ticket triumphantly as he walked through the gate."

noun

A bold, decorative gesture or embellishment.

"She signed the letter with an elaborate flourish."

How to use flourish

Learner’s notes

In 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.

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Common pairings

flourish under a flourish of the pen businesses flourish with a flourish

Word forms

flourished past tense, flourishes plural, flourishes singular

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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."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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wave expand boom thrive prosper fanfare tucket brandish fly high

Related words

increase contract grow brand develop wave expand boom

Rhymes for flourish

nourish amateurish

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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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