Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Thrive?

\Thrive\ (thr[imac]v), v. i. [imp. {Throve} (thr[=o]v) or {Thrived} (thr[imac]vd); p. p. {Thrived} or {Thriven} (thr[i^]v"'n); p. pr. & vb. n. {Thriving}.] [OE. [thorn]riven, Icel. [thorn]r[=i]fask; probably originally, to grasp for one's self, from [thorn]r[=i]fa to grasp; akin to Dan. trives to thrive, Sw. trifvas. Cf. {Thrift}.] 1. To prosper by industry, economy, and good management of property; to increase in goods and estate; as, a farmer thrives by good husbandry. Diligence and humility is the way to thrive in the riches of the understanding, as well as in gold. --I. Watts. 2. To prosper in any business; to have increase or success. ``They by vices thrive.'' --Sandys. O son, why sit we here, each other viewing Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives? --Milton. And so she throve and prospered. --Tennyson. 3. To increase in bulk or stature; to grow vigorously or luxuriantly, as a plant; to flourish; as, young cattle thrive in rich pastures; trees thrive in a good soil.