develop
To grow, improve, or bring something new into being.
Word facts
Definition
To develop means to grow, improve, or become more advanced over time. It can also mean to create or bring something new into being through a process of work and refinement.
Usage: Develop implies gradual growth or creation. Improve suggests moving from a lower to higher standard. Create focuses on bringing something entirely new into existence.
Example sentences
- 1
The company plans to develop a new software platform over the next year.
- 2
Children develop language skills rapidly in their first few years.
- 3
She worked hard to develop her drawing technique.
Word family
From Old French desveloper ('to unwrap'), from des- ('un-') + veloper ('to wrap'). Originally meant to unfold or unwrap; now means to bring out fully.
Develop sounds like 'de-velop' — remove the wrapping and let something grow into its full form.
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FAQ
Questions people ask
What is the noun form of develop?
The main noun is development. A developer is a person or company that develops something.
How many syllables does develop have?
Develop has 3 syllables: de-vel-op. The stress is on the second syllable: de-VEL-op.