To grow, develop, or be very successful and healthy. Plants, animals, people, and even businesses can thrive in good conditions.
From Middle English 'threven' from Old Norse 'þrífa' meaning 'to grasp, get hold of, prosper.' The idea of grabbing or taking hold shifted into flourishing and succeeding. It entered English through contact with Scandinavian languages.
To thrive isn’t just to survive; it’s to do so well that you almost overflow. That’s why we say children thrive with good care and ideas thrive in creative spaces. The word highlights the huge gap between 'barely getting by' and 'really coming alive.'
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