WordValeflourish
to grow vigorously; to prosper
In more detail
1. (verb) to grow, develop, or succeed in a healthy way
2. (verb) to wave something dramatically in the air as a gesture
3. (noun) a dramatic movement or gesture; an ornamental curve in writing or music
Examples
- 1. Plants flourish in warm, sunny conditions.
- 2. She flourished her pen before signing the document.
- 3. He added artistic flourishes to the painting.
How to use flourish
Flourish combines the literal sense of waving or brandishing something dramatically with the figurative sense of thriving or developing well. The verb is often used in contexts of growth, success, or prosperity, while the noun emphasizes decorative, ornamental, or theatrical elements. It carries a connotation of vigorous vitality and is slightly more literary or elegant than synonyms like 'thrive' or 'prosper'.
Common phrases
- flourish in
- flourish despite
- flourish with a flourish
- flourish on stage
- cultural flourish
- flourish of trumpets
Synonyms
thrive · prosper · bloom · flourish · blossom
Opposites
decline · wither · languish
Word family
flourishing (adjective) · flourished (past tense) · flourishes (noun plural)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse flourish with flower or confuse the spelling; also, they may use it only in negative contexts when it actually implies success and health, not just dramatic movement.
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