Words / B2

THRYV/θraɪv/

To thrive is to grow or succeed: thrive in; thrive on; plants thrive. Flourish is a close twin (in B1). Survive is weaker (only not die). Do not use thrive for a business that is merely breaking even. Ecology and business features both like thrive.

Meaning

To grow, develop, or be successful.

Examples

• “Small publishers thrive when libraries still buy local titles.”
• “Some plants thrive on poor soil, which is the biological sense.”

Good to know

thrive in / on; businesses / children / plants thrive. Close: flourish. Weaker: survive. Not mere break-even. Ecology and business register.

Near in meaning

flourish

New