developed; developing; develops
Definition of develop
1a
: to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail : expound
develop a thesis
b
: to make visible or manifest
developed the scene in her mind
c
dyeing
: to treat with an agent to cause the appearance of color
d
photography
: to subject (exposed 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 (see theme sense 4)
2a
: 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
3a
: to make active or promote the growth of
developed his muscles developing your mental abilities
b(1)
: to make available or usable
develop natural resources
(2)
: to make suitable for commercial or residential purposes
develop land
c
games
: to move (a chess piece) from the original position to one providing more opportunity for effective use
develop the rook
4a
: to cause to evolve or unfold gradually : to lead or conduct (something) through a succession of states or changes each of which is preparatory for the next
developed his argument
b
: to expand by a process of growth
working to develop the company further
c
biology
: to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind
more rain will be needed to develop the plants properly
d
: to become infected or affected by
developed pneumonia
5
: to acquire gradually
develop an appreciation for ballet
1
biology
a
: to go through a process of natural growth, differentiation (see differentiation sense 3), or evolution by successive changes
A blossom develops from a bud.
b
: to acquire secondary sex characteristics
the year that her breasts fully developed
2
: to become gradually manifest
the facts that developed over the next few days
3
: to come into being gradually
the situation developing in eastern Europe
also
: turn out sense 2a
it developed that no one had paid the bill
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Time Traveler for develop
The first known use of develop was in 1714
See more words from the same year