develop
verb
de·vel·op
| \ di-ˈve-ləp
, dē-\
, dē-\
developed;
developing;
develops
Definition of develop
1a
: to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail : expound
develop a thesis
b
: to make visible or manifest
developed the scene in her mind
c
dyeing
: to treat with an agent to cause the appearance of color
d
photography
: to subject (exposed material) especially to chemicals in order to produce a visible image
develop film
also
: to make visible by such a method
develop pictures
e
: to elaborate (a musical idea) by the working out of rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme (see theme sense 4)
2a
: to work out the possibilities of
develop an idea
b
: to create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time
develop new ways of doing business develop software
3a
: to make active or promote the growth of
developed his muscles developing your mental abilities
b(1)
: to make available or usable
develop natural resources
(2)
: to make suitable for commercial or residential purposes
develop land
c
games
: to move (a chess piece) from the original position to one providing more opportunity for effective use
develop the rook
4a
: to cause to evolve or unfold gradually : to lead or conduct (something) through a succession of states or changes each of which is preparatory for the next
developed his argument
b
: to expand by a process of growth
working to develop the company further
c
biology
: to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind
more rain will be needed to develop the plants properly
d
: to become infected or affected by
developed pneumonia
5
: to acquire gradually
develop an appreciation for ballet
1 biology
a
: to go through a process of natural growth, differentiation (see differentiation sense 3), or evolution by successive changes
A blossom develops from a bud.
b
: to acquire secondary sex characteristics
the year that her breasts fully developed
2
: to become gradually manifest
the facts that developed over the next few days
3
: to come into being gradually
the situation developing in eastern Europe
also
: turn out sense 2a
it developed that no one had paid the bill
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Other Words from develop
developable
\ di-ˈve-lə-pə-bəl
, dē- \
adjective
, dē- \
adjective
Examples of develop in a Sentence
She has been exercising regularly to develop her back muscles.
The story was later developed into a novel.
The island has developed its economy around tourism.
The course is designed to develop your writing skills.
A blossom develops from a bud.
The doctor says that the child is developing normally.
In this class, we will be learning about how languages develop.
Scientists are developing a treatment for the disease.
The company has developed a new method for recycling old tires.
He develops the concept more fully in his book.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Thus, some parents observe their children developing symptoms of autism after receiving vaccinations. — Scientific American, "How Misinformation Spreads—and Why We Trust It," 3 Sep. 2019 The company hopes to eventually release a total of 12,000 individual satellites—which the company developed to transmit high-speed internet to remote parts of the globe—into Earth’s orbit. — Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, "Two ESA and SpaceX Satellites Almost Collided, Because There Are No Laws in Space," 3 Sep. 2019 Along with Kevin, several other teens and adults have spoken out about developing lung illnesses related to vaping. — Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, "Pennsylvania Teen in a Medically Induced Coma from Lung Illness Linked to Vaping," 3 Sep. 2019 That would require directly sampling the hormone in utero, which can endanger a developing fetus. — Emily Underwood, Science | AAAS, "Study challenges idea that autism is caused by an overly masculine brain," 3 Sep. 2019 Allow things to grow and develop; pressing the panic button could easily kill the start of something worth waiting for. — SI.com, "Manchester United Fans Must Have Patience With This Season's New Look Squad," 3 Sep. 2019 The need for a satellite has become apparent over the last couple of years and this wonderful partnership with Wesley developed from there. — Jon Kelvey, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Q&A: Executive director Brenda Meadows on The Shepherd’s Staff’s new satellite office opening," 2 Sep. 2019 The coaches wanted Trubisky to test certain throws or windows and develop a feel for what works and what doesn’t. — Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, "Column: Matt Nagy is the difference-maker for the Bears offense. We’ll finally get to see the real thing beginning Thursday night.," 2 Sep. 2019 Animals receiving samples from patients before surgery tended to become obese and develop diabetes and fatty liver syndrome, while those receiving samples from patients three months after weight-loss surgery did not. — Alice Park, Time, "Weight-Loss Surgery Dramatically Lowers the Risk of Early Death, a New Study Finds," 2 Sep. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'develop.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for develop
develop
verb
English Language Learners Definition of develop
: to cause (something) to grow or become bigger or more advanced
: to grow or become bigger or more advanced
: to create (something) over a period of time
See the full definition for develop in the English Language Learners Dictionary
develop
verb
de·vel·op
|