Development
/dɪˈveləpmənt/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe process of developing or being developed; growth; progress.
/dɪˈveləpmənt/
The process of growth, progress, or improvement.
The city is undergoing rapid urban development.
💡 Simply: Development is like watching a tiny seed sprout and grow into a big, strong plant. It's all about getting better, bigger, or more advanced over time! For example, the development of a new game takes a lot of work.
👶 For kids: Growing bigger and better! Like when a baby grows into a kid, that's development.
More Examples
The development of new technologies is changing the world.
Her personal development plan focuses on improving her communication skills.
How It's Used
"The company's focus is on product development."
"The development of new vaccines is a major area of research."
"She is committed to her personal development."
A specific stage or phase in the process of growth or evolution.
/dɪˈveləpmənt/
A particular state or stage of growth.
The child's cognitive development was carefully monitored.
💡 Simply: Development can also mean a particular step or stage in a process. Like, a baby going through different stages of development – from a baby to a toddler to a child.
👶 For kids: When things are growing up, each step is a development.
More Examples
The project is still in its early stages of development.
We are observing the development of a new species.
How It's Used
"The embryo went through various stages of development."
"The development of modern society took centuries."
A tract of land or a group of buildings that has been built or improved for a particular purpose.
/dɪˈveləpmənt/
An area of land that has been developed.
The town approved the construction of a new commercial development.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, development is a place! Like, a whole neighborhood or shopping center built on some land. It's called a development.
👶 For kids: When someone builds houses or stores in a place, it's a development.
More Examples
The environmental impact of the development was carefully considered.
The real estate company is investing in several new residential developments.
How It's Used
"The new housing development is located near the city center."
"The proposal includes plans for a mixed-use development."
An event or series of events that occurs or becomes known.
/dɪˈveləpmənt/
A specific event or happening.
The latest developments in the case are still being investigated.
💡 Simply: Development can also be a thing that happens, like a news story or important event. "Recent developments" in the news.
👶 For kids: Something that happens! Like a new thing in the news.
More Examples
This development marks a significant shift in policy.
There have been several unexpected developments recently.
How It's Used
"Recent developments in the peace talks have been encouraging."
"This development could affect the upcoming elections."
Idioms & expressions
Economic development
The improvement of living standards and economic prosperity.
"The government is focused on strategies for economic development."
Personal development
Efforts to improve oneself, including skills, knowledge, and character.
"She invested time in personal development to advance her career."
Under development
Being created, designed, or improved.
"The new software is currently under development."
From Middle English *developement*, from Old French *développement* (12th century), from *déveloper* ('to unfold'), from *des-* ('un-') + *voloper* ('to wrap, envelop'), from Latin *volvere* ('to roll').
The word 'development' and its root 'develop' have evolved in usage since the 17th century, initially related to the unfolding of ideas and concepts.
Memory tip
Think of a seed growing into a plant – that's development!