develop

word

/dɪˈvɛɫəp/
di-VEL-uhp
/dɪvˈɛləp/
di-VEL-uhp

Definition

To grow, change, or become more advanced over time, or to make something do this. It can also mean to create something gradually, such as a skill, habit, product, or idea.

Usage & Nuances

Common in academic, business, health, and technology contexts: 'develop a skill', 'develop software', 'develop a disease', 'develop a plan'. 'Develop' can be transitive or intransitive: 'The company developed the app' vs. 'The problem developed slowly'. For software and products, it often means create/build; for health, it means begin to have.

Example Sentences

Children develop language skills very quickly.

basic

The company wants to develop a new phone app.

basic

He developed a bad cough last week.

basic

I’m trying to develop better study habits this year.

natural

The story starts slow, but it really develops in the second half.

natural

If we develop this idea a bit more, it could become a real business.

natural