C1verb2K

Flourish

UK /["/ˈflʌrɪʃ/","/ˈflʌrɪʃɪz/","/ˈflʌrɪʃt/","/ˈflʌrɪʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈflɜːrɪʃ/","/ˈflɜːrɪʃɪz/","/ˈflɜːrɪʃt/","/ˈflɜːrɪʃɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to develop quickly and become successful or common

In simple words: To grow or develop in a healthy way.

Examples

The artist continued to flourish despite the challenging market conditions.
With the new management, the company began to flourish rapidly.
His garden will flourish if you water the plants regularly.
Medieval trade routes allowed various cultures to flourish across Europe.
The musician ended his performance with a dramatic flourish of his hands.
She signed the document with a flourish that caught everyone's attention.
The calligrapher's signature included a beautiful flourish at the end.

Usage notes

Use 'flourish' when talking about personal growth, businesses, or plants. Avoid in very formal writing unless discussing economics or psychology.

Grammar pattern

flourish + in/on/at + place

Memory hint

Think of a flower flourishing in sunlight, it grows beautifully.

Collocations

flourish in the garden
flourish in life
flourish under pressure
flourish at work
flourish financially

Synonyms

thrive
prosper
grow
blossom
advance

Antonyms

wither
decline
fail

Common mistakes

Confused with 'flourish' as a noun and a verb.
Using 'flourish' in past tense without 'ed' as in 'flourished' incorrectly.
Mixing up 'flourish' with similar-sounding words like 'flour' or 'flower'.