thrive means to grow or increase stature; to grow vigorously or luxuriantly; to enjoy a state of excellent health and well-being; to flourish. It carries an Arena rating of 1485, earned across 2 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, thrive ranks #189 of 17,134 for Most Malleable Words, #594 of 17,126 for Most Elegant Words, #703 of 17,130 for Most Beautiful Words, #1,285 of 17,143 for Best Fossil-Poetry Words.
thrive is pronounced /θɹajv/.
Why “thrive” is a great word
To grow vigorously, flourish, or prosper in health, wealth, or success. From Middle English *thryven*, *thriven*, from Old Norse *þrífa* ("to seize, grasp, prosper"), from Proto-Germanic *þrībaną* ("to seize, prosper"), from Proto-Indo-European *trep-*, *terp-* ("to satisfy, enjoy"), first recorded in English c. 1150–1200. Unlike "survive," which emphasizes mere continuance under duress, or "prosper," which often narrows to material gain, to thrive is the green shoot splitting concrete, the resonant health in a clear laugh, the quiet hum of a mind engaged in worthy work. It is appetite met by opportunity, the deep satisfaction of being fully, unapologetically alive.
Etymology
From Middle English thryven, thriven, from Old Norse þrífa (“to seize, grasp, take hold, prosper”), from Proto-Germanic *þrībaną (“to seize, prosper”), from Proto-Indo-European *trep-, *terp- (“to satisfy, enjoy”). Cognate with Swedish trivas, Danish trives, Norwegian Bokmål trives.
verb
- To grow or increase stature; to grow vigorously or luxuriantly; to enjoy a state of excellent health and well-being; to flourish.e.g.“Not all animals thrive well in captivity.”
- To increase in wealth or success; to prosper, be profitable.e.g.“Since expanding in June, the business has really thrived.”
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
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