WordGarden.ioflourish
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈʌrɪʃ/
US
- /ˈflɜrɪʃ/
Meanings
Verb
to thrive, prosper, or develop successfully
to grow strongly and healthily, especially as a plant
to wave or display something in a dramatic way
Noun
an ornamental or showy extra detail in style, writing, music, or design
a bold, showy gesture or sweeping movement
Beyond the definition
Imagine a plant bursting with life—leaves unfurling and blossoms opening in vibrant color. That's what it means to flourish. It is more than just surviving; it is thriving and growing beautifully. People can flourish, too! When someone flourishes, they are successful, healthy, and full of energy. A flourishing business is one that is doing very well. You might say a musician "flourishes" on stage when their performance is particularly captivating and full of life.
The word comes from the Old French florir, meaning "to bloom," so think of flowers when you hear it. It can also describe a bold movement or a decorative extra touch, like a flourish of the conductor's baton before the orchestra begins.
To flourish means to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way. It suggests not just survival, but thriving—reaching one's full potential and experiencing success. For example: "The garden flourished after the rain," meaning it grew abundantly. Or, "Her confidence flourished as she gained experience."
Flourish can describe physical growth, like plants or animals, but it also applies to abstract concepts like businesses, relationships, or skills. A flourishing economy is one that is growing and prosperous, while a flourishing friendship is strong and supportive.
Beyond simply growing, the word often implies a display of vitality and beauty. Think of an artist who flourishes with creativity, producing stunning works, or a dancer who flourishes on stage with graceful, spirited movements.
Interestingly, flourish can also refer to a dramatic gesture or a decorative embellishment. A calligrapher might add a flourish to their signature, or a speaker might use a flourish of rhetoric to emphasize a point. As a verb in this context, one might "flourish" a pen or a sword, moving it about in a bold, sweeping way. This meaning comes from the idea of something expanding and blossoming outward.
So, whether it is about vibrant growth, successful development, or elegant expression, flourish speaks to a state of thriving, beauty, and full potential realized.
Examples
- 1
Nature
Wildflowers flourish on these hillsides after the spring rains.
- 2
Local business
Small independent bookstores can still flourish in the right neighborhood.
- 3
Personal growth
Once she found the right team, her confidence began to flourish.
- 4
Dramatic gesture
He flourished the letter in front of the camera and refused to answer any questions.
- Patternflourish + object
hold or wave it in a proud, dramatic way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Handwriting
Her signature has a long flourish under the last letter.
- 6
Confident style
She signed the form with a flourish and pushed it back across the desk.
- Phrasewith a flourish
in a stylish, confident way
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- plants flourish
- businesses flourish
- flourish in
- arts flourish
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- flourishnounverb
Forms
- flourishedpast tenseverbnoun
- flourishing-ing formverbnoun
- flourishespluralnounverb