Etymology: French développer, from Old French desveloper, desvoluper to unwrap, expose, from des- de- + envoloper to enclose — more at envelop
Date: 1750
transitive verb1 a: to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail :expound<develop a thesis>b: to make visible or manifest c: to treat (as in dyeing) with an agent to cause the appearance of color d: to subject (exposed photograph 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 2 a: 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> 3 a: to make active or promote the growth of <developed his muscles>b (1): to make available or usable <develop natural resources>(2): to make suitable for commercial or residential purposes <develop land>c: to move (as a chess piece) from the original position to one providing more opportunity for effective use 4 a: to cause to unfold gradually <developed his argument>b: to expand by a process of growth <working to develop the company further>c: to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind <rain and sun develop the grain>d: to become infected or affected by <developed pneumonia> 5: to acquire gradually <develop an appreciation for ballet>intransitive verb1 a: to go through a process of natural growth, differentiation, or evolution by successive changes <a blossom develops from a bud>b: to acquire secondary sex characteristics 2: to become gradually manifest 3: to come into being gradually <the situation developing in eastern Europe>; also:turn out 2a <it developed that no one had paid the bill>