thrive

thrive Definition

thrive (t̸hrīv)

intransitive verb thrived or throve, thrived or thriv′ent̸hriv′'n, thriv′·ing

to prosper or flourish; be successful, esp. as the result of economical management
to grow vigorously or luxuriantly; improve physically

Etymology: ME thrifen < ON thrifast, to prosper, reflex. of thrifa, to grasp

thrive Synonyms

To grow vigorously
blossom, blossom out, burgeon, wax, shoot up, flourish, mushroom, rise, bear fruit, batten, increase, radiate, shine; see also grow.
Antonyms die*, wither, sicken.
To prosper
succeed, do well, turn out well, flourish, rise up, make one's fortune, make an auspicious start, get ahead, achieve success, advance, make progress, be booming*, feather one's nest*, get places*, make it*, make a go*; see also prosper.
Antonyms fail*, lose out, go bankrupt.

thrive Usage Examples

Object

thank: The seven Scottish companies which have received this year's Queen's Awards have thrived thanks to their innovative ideas and creativity.
today: Many of these mutuals continue to thrive today, playing a distinct role in the market place.

Preposition: on

chaos: As we begin to thrive on chaos, we subconsciously drive off any would-be friend and then wonder why we are alone.
challenge: Are you the kind of person who would thrive on this challenge?
soil: However, no plants thrive on soil contaminated by the alkali metal cesium.
diet: Privacy Policy Whatever happened to the good old days, when everyone agreed that endurance athletes thrive on a high-carbohydrate diet?
diversity: N ature thrives on diversity, so a range of plant life is desirable.
tourism: It is true that local distinctiveness may not be essential for some overseas destinations to thrive on tourism.

Modifying Another Word

positively: A large number of plants and animals positively thrive here and are very well adapted to urban life.

Followed by an intransitive particle

upon: It is their intelligent enthusiasm that the musicians thrive upon.
on: They produce and multiply at a vast rate but there weren't enough crops here for them to thrive on.

Used with why or when

when: She too is well related and will thrive when upped in trip as a three-year-old.
where: They will grow in heavier soils than many ferns, but do not thrive where moisture is denied them.

Preposition: in

soil: Extremely hardy, thrive in moist, heavy clay soil in cool, humid climate.
climate: Here, tea plantations thrive in the mild climate - where better to bring a British person early in the morning!
environment: They thrive in a free range environment, out on the hill.
sun: They will thrive in sun or light shade, but they do prefer slightly damp and sticky soil.
condition: They were created to showcase the wide range of plants that thrive in low pH conditions.
atmosphere: It's good for business because enterprise thrives in a commercial atmosphere rich in culture and the arts.

Preposition: under

pressure: They must be able to multi-task, problem solve and thrive under pressure.

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