Definition of develop
1 a
: 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
- develop pictures
e
: to elaborate (a musical idea) by the working out of rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme (see theme 4)
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
- 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
4 a
: 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 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
- it developed that no one had paid the bill
