WordGarden.iodevelop
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪvˈɛləp/
US
- /dɪˈvɛləp/
Meanings
Verb
to grow, change, or become more advanced over time
to create, improve, or strengthen something through sustained effort
to write or build software, apps, or digital systems
More meaningsFewer meanings
to begin to have an illness, symptom, or medical condition
to build on land or improve property for use
to process photographic film so images become visible
Beyond the definition
To develop means to grow, mature, or become more advanced. If you develop something, you help it move in that direction. A seedling develops into a plant, a skill develops with practice, and a photographer develops film to reveal the hidden image. It can also mean to create something new—like developing a plan or a product. Think of a caterpillar developing into a butterfly; it's a process of change and growth!
The word "develop" suggests taking something from an early stage to a more complete or advanced one. A city might develop over time, adding buildings and infrastructure. You can also develop a friendship—nurturing it and making it stronger. Sometimes, you even develop a cold (unfortunately!), meaning the illness starts to take root and show up in your body.
To develop means to progress from a simpler, earlier stage to a more complex or advanced one. It's a word that speaks of growth, improvement, and creation—often over time. For example: "The company is developing new technologies," meaning they are creating them through research and innovation. Or, "Her writing skills developed rapidly after taking the workshop."
Development isn't limited to tangible things. You can develop a theory, an idea, or even a feeling. If you develop a fondness for something, it means that liking grows over time. A character in a novel develops as the story unfolds, changing and learning from their experiences.
The word also has specific meanings depending on context. In photography, to develop film is to process it chemically to make the images visible. In real estate, to develop land means to build structures on it—such as houses, commercial buildings, or infrastructure. In biology, development refers to the process by which an organism grows and matures from a single cell into a complex organism.
So, whether you're talking about technology, skills, relationships, or living things, "develop" implies a journey of growth, change, and increasing complexity—moving towards a more complete or advanced state. It's about potential realized over time.
Examples
- 1
Language skills
She wants to develop her English skills before she starts university.
- 2
Product creation
The company is developing a new app for small businesses.
- 3
Working relationships
Over time, the two researchers developed a strong working relationship.
- 4
Planning
We need to develop a clear plan before the meeting.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Conflict
A small disagreement quickly developed into a serious argument.
- Patterndevelop into + result
change and become something else
- 6
Story progress
The story develops slowly at first, but the ending is worth it.
- 7
Fast changes
The situation developed so fast that nobody had time to react.
- 8
Habits
He developed a habit of checking his phone every few minutes.
- 9
Personal taste
After living in Italy for a year, she developed a taste for strong coffee.
- Phrasedevelop a taste for
gradually start to like something
- 10
Medical reaction
She developed a rash after taking the medicine.
- 11
Town growth
The town has developed from a fishing village into a busy tourist area.
- Patterndevelop from X into Y
change over time from one thing to another
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- developverb
Forms
- developedpast tenseverb
- developing-ing formverb
- developsverb