26984 words

develop

18 definitions • 33 examples
1
to (cause something to) grow or change into a more advanced, larger, or stronger form:

Examples:

It became clear that he wasn't developing like all the other little boys.
develop into The fear is that these minor clashes may develop into all-out confrontation.
Over time, their acquaintance developed into a lasting friendship.
This exercise is designed to develop the shoulder and back muscles.
I'm looking for a job which will enable me to develop my skills/talents.
2
to invent something or bring something into existence:

Examples:

We have to develop a new policy/strategy to deal with the problem.
3
to start to happen or exist:

Examples:

Large cracks began to develop in the wall.
4
If you develop an illness or problem, or if it develops, you start to suffer from it:

Examples:

The study showed that one in twelve women is likely to develop breast cancer.
She's developed some very strange habits lately.
5
to build houses, factories, etc. on a piece of land:

Examples:

develop something into something They're planning to develop the whole site into a shopping complex.
6
to make photographs or negatives from a film:

Examples:

We developed some old negatives from my parents' wedding day.
7
to grow or cause to grow or change into a more advanced form:

Examples:

[ T ] This exercise will help develop the shoulder and back muscles (= It will make them stronger).
[ I ] If Kareem keeps working hard, he could develop into a first-class athlete.
[ I ] The tourist industry is continuing to develop in the lake region.
[ T ] Your essay is good, but you need to develop your ideas more fully (= give more details).
8
to bring or come into existence:

Examples:

[ I ] Large cracks are developing in the wall of the house.
[ T ] George has developed an interest in archaeology.
9
If you develop an illness, you catch it or start to suffer from it:

Examples:

[ T ] She developed a skin rash.
10
If an area of land is developed, it is built on, usually by a company that hopes to make a profit in this way:

Examples:

[ T ] We have plans to develop the site.
11
to put film in chemicals until an image appears
12
to grow or change into a more advanced, larger, or stronger form, or to make something do this:

Examples:

They tracked the storms as they developed, and then began canceling and diverting flights.
The company later developed into a worldwide chain.
develop from sth (to sth) The project has taken eight years to develop from idea to fully-fledged movie.
Dual-side marketing is a new concept and requires time to fully develop.
13
to invent something or bring something such as a product or service into existence:

Examples:

14
to think of and produce a plan or idea:

Examples:

The bill calls on the Energy Department to develop a plan to cut gasoline consumption by 20% by 2017.
The group developed the strategy with Guyana's government.
15
if a country develops, it gets more industry and economic activity and becomes richer:

Examples:

No country has ever successfully developed on aid alone.
16
to learn and improve a skill, ability, quality, etc.:

Examples:

They will have to be more flexible and develop new skills.
17
to build houses, factories, stores, etc., on a piece of land:

Examples:

Land along the canal was developed long before the existing flood walls were built.
develop sth into sth Property along coastlines has been bought and developed into resorts and vacation homes.
18
to take natural resources from an area of land, or to make it possible to do this:

Examples:

Plans to develop an iron ore mine in the north-western region of Pilbara were rejected by the Environmental Protection Authority.

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