Flourish
/ˈflʌrɪʃ/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo grow or develop successfully; thrive.
/ˈflʌrɪʃ/
To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way.
The arts are flourishing in the city.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a little plant. When you get lots of sunshine and water, you grow big and strong! To flourish means to grow and do well, like when a business makes a lot of money or a person feels happy and successful.
👶 For kids: To flourish means to grow really well, like a flower blooming in the sun!
More Examples
Despite the challenges, the business continued to flourish.
Plants flourish in fertile soil.
How It's Used
"The new marketing campaign helped the company's profits flourish."
"In this warm and sunny climate, tropical plants can flourish."
To be at the height of one's powers; to be in a vigorous state.
/ˈflʌrɪʃ/
To be in a vigorous state; to be at the height of development or influence.
The company flourished under his leadership.
💡 Simply: Imagine a time when things were really great and successful. To flourish also means a time when something is at its best and most successful. Like when your favorite sports team is at the top of their game!
👶 For kids: To flourish means to be the best you can be, like when you're really good at playing a game!
More Examples
The city flourished during the economic boom.
Democracy flourished in ancient Athens.
How It's Used
"The Roman Empire flourished for centuries."
"During the Renaissance, art and culture flourished."
A bold or extravagant gesture, especially one intended to impress others.
/ˈflʌrɪʃ/
A bold or extravagant gesture or action.
He opened the door with a flourish.
💡 Simply: Imagine doing something in a really fancy or noticeable way. Like when you dramatically bow when you finish a presentation, or wave your arms when you get excited. A flourish is a showy action that gets attention!
👶 For kids: A flourish is like when you do something in a big and special way, like a wave of your hand!
More Examples
The pianist played a final flourish before the end of the song.
The chef added a flourish of parsley to the dish.
How It's Used
"With a flourish, the magician revealed the rabbit."
"The artist signed his name with a dramatic flourish."
An ornamental detail, such as a decorative stroke in handwriting.
/ˈflʌrɪʃ/
A decorative embellishment.
The document was signed with an elegant flourish.
💡 Simply: A flourish can also be a fancy little detail that makes something look prettier. It could be a swirl in handwriting, a fancy design on a picture, or a ribbon on a gift.
👶 For kids: A flourish can be a fancy little decoration, like a swirl on a drawing!
More Examples
The painter added a flourish to the landscape.
The calligraphy made use of beautiful flourishes.
How It's Used
"The calligraphy had elegant flourishes."
"The artist added flourishes to the border."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
a flourish of trumpets
A dramatic or ceremonial fanfare, usually to announce something important.
"The new president was announced with a flourish of trumpets."
with a flourish
In a showy or extravagant way.
"He presented her with the bouquet with a flourish."
From Old French *floriss-* (stem of *florir*), from Latin *florēre* ('to bloom, blossom'), from *flōs* ('flower').
The word 'flourish' has been used since the 13th century, initially in the context of ornamentation and later encompassing growth and prosperity.
Memory tip
Think of flowers blooming. They flourish when they have the right conditions.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: florēre