Entry Word: develop

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to gradually become clearer or more detailed <as the story of the bombing developed, the scope of the tragedy became more apparent>

Synonyms evolve, unfold

Related Words advance, proceed, progress; mature, ripen; materialize

2 to come to have gradually <they developed a taste for green olives>

Synonyms acquire, cultivate, form

Related Words gain, get, obtain; achieve, attain, reach; foster, nourish, nurture, promote

Antonyms lose

3 to become mature <the roses are developing nicely in the garden> — see mature
4 to express more fully and in greater detail <they developed the initial idea into a complete plan> — see expand 1