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de·vel·op

develop

 
 
pronunciation:
dih ve lp
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: develops, developing, developed
definition 1: to bring out the potential of; advance to a more complete or more effective condition.
The coach is attempting to develop the team this year so that it can contend for the championship.It took time and great effort to develop the land for crops.She has a certain natural talent, but she needs to develop it.
synonyms:
evolve, further
similar words:
advance, educate, enhance, form, germinate, improve, perfect, plan, promote, reinforce
definition 2: to cause to gain strength; cause to grow.
Doing these exercises will develop your leg muscles.
synonyms:
strengthen
similar words:
build, germinate, grow, mature, ripen
definition 3: to add detail to; elaborate.
He is developing the plot for his new novel.Researchers are gathering additional data that they hope will help develop their theory.
synonyms:
amplify, elaborate, enlarge, expand
similar words:
explicate, magnify, plan, unfold
definition 4: to bring into being or operation; generate.
Our company is developing a new product that we hope to launch next year.
synonyms:
establish, evolve, generate, institute
similar words:
breed, constitute, create, form, hatch, originate
definition 5: in photography, to treat (exposed film) chemically so as to create a visible image.
He went into the darkroom to develop the film.
similar words:
print, process
definition 6: to become afflicted with.
Her doctor says she is developing diabetes.He developed a rare tropical disease during the war.
similar words:
contract
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to become more complete or more effective; advance.
The teams skills are developing rapidly.Her knowledge of Japanese has clearly developed.
synonyms:
advance, evolve, progress
similar words:
improve
definition 2: to emerge gradually; unfold.
The plot develops in a way that intrigues the reader.
similar words:
rise, show, unfold
definition 3: to come into being or operation.
We are reporting on a situation that has just developed in the Middle East.When did this new scheme develop?Unfortunately, there developed some unsolvable problems in implementing this very elaborate plan.
synonyms:
become, evolve
similar words:
amount, breed, emerge, form, originate, propagate, rise, shape, spring
definition 4: to become stronger; grow.
Babies develop at a rapid pace.
 
synonyms:
advance, grow, strengthen
similar words:
amount, bloom, blossom, build, burgeon, flower, germinate, mature, progress, ripen
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derivation: developed (adj.)
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  film, muscle, photography, reproduce, seed, technology, virus