verb
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make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creationHer company developed a new kind of building material that withstands all kinds of weather
They developed a new technique
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work out (syn: evolve, germinate)We have developed a new theory of evolution
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gain through experience (syn: acquire, evolve)Children must develop a sense of right and wrong
Dave developed leadership qualities in his new position
develop a passion for painting
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come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes) (syn: acquire, get, grow, produce)The patient developed abdominal pains
Well-developed breasts
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come into existence; take on form or shape (syn: arise, grow, originate, rise, spring up, uprise)-
change the use of and make available or usable (syn: build up)develop land
The country developed its natural resources
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elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses (syn: explicate, formulate)Could you develop the ideas in your thesis
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create by training and teaching (syn: educate, prepare, train)we develop the leaders for the future
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be gradually disclosed or unfolded; become manifestThe plot developed slowly
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grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process of evolution, natural growth, differentiation, or a conducive environmentA flower developed on the branch
The country developed into a mighty superpower.
The embryo develops into a fetus
This situation has developed over a long time
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become technologically advanced (syn: modernize)Many countries in Asia are now developing at a very fast pace
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cause to grow and differentiate in ways conforming to its natural developmentThe perfect climate here develops the grain
He developed a new kind of apple
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generate graduallyWe must develop more potential customers
develop a market for the new mobile phone
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grow emotionally or mature (syn: grow)The child developed beautifully in her new kindergarten
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make visible by means of chemical solutionsPlease develop this roll of film for me
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superimpose a three-dimensional surface on a plane without stretching, in geometry-
move one's pieces into strategically more advantageous positionsSpassky developed quickly
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move into a strategically more advantageous positiondevelop the rook
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elaborate by the unfolding of a musical idea and by the working out of the rhythmic and harmonic changes in the themedevelop the melody and change the key
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happen (syn: break, recrudesce)Report the news as it develops
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expand in the form of a series
Extra examples
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.
This tall tree developed from a small seed.
Jane is developing into a fine figure of a young woman.
From that first encounter, he developed a genuine regard for the man.
Cleaning is less of a hassle if you develop a regular routine.
He developed TB.
Word forms
verb
I/you/we/they: develop
he/she/it: develops
present participle: developing
past tense: developed
past participle: developed