flourish

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verb flour·ish \ˈflər-ish, ˈflə-rish\

Definition of flourish

intransitive verb
1 : to grow luxuriantly : thrive
2a : to achieve success : prosper a flourishing businessb : to be in a state of activity or production flourished around 1850c : to reach a height of development or influence The company flourished with record profits under the new owner.
3 : to make bold and sweeping gestures
transitive verb
: to wield with dramatic gestures : brandish Dressed as a pirate, he entered the stage flourishing his sword.

flourisher

noun

flourishingly

play \ˈflər-i-shiŋ-lē, ˈflə-ri-\ adverb

See flourish defined for English-language learners

See flourish defined for kids

Examples of flourish in a Sentence

plants and animals that flourished here thousands of years ago
Regional markets have flourished in recent years.
a decorative style that flourished in the 1920s
Dressed as a pirate, he entered the stage flourishing his sword.

Origin and Etymology of flourish

Middle English florisshen, from Anglo-French fluriss-, stem of flurir, florir, from Vulgar Latin *florire, alteration of Latin florēre, from flor-, flos flower

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First Known Use: 14th century

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Synonym Discussion of flourish

swing, wave, flourish, brandish, thrash mean to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down. swing implies regular or uniform movement. swing the rope back and forth wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion. waving the flag flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement. flourished the winning lottery ticket brandish implies threatening or menacing motion. brandishing a knife thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement. an infant thrashing his arms about

flourish

noun flour·ish

Definition of flourish

1 : an act or instance of brandishing or waving
2a : a florid bit of speech or writing rhetorical flourishesb : an ornamental stroke in writing or printingc : a decorative or finishing detail a house with clever little flourishes
3 : fanfare
4a : a period of thrivingb : a luxuriant growth or profusion a flourish of white hair a springtime flourish of color
5 : showiness in the doing of something opened the door with a flourish
6 : a sudden burst a flourish of activity

See flourish defined for English-language learners

Examples of flourish in a Sentence

the floral flourishes in the living room
a house with many clever little flourishes
Her writing style is simple and clear, without unnecessary flourishes.
Dinner was served with a flourish.
He waved his sword with a flourish.
She opened the door with a flourish.
With a flourish of her pen, she signed the bill into law.

Origin and Etymology of flourish

see ¹flourish

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First Known Use: circa 1552

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FLOURISH Defined for English Language Learners

flourish

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verb

Definition of flourish for English Language Learners

: to grow well : to be healthy
: to be very successful : to do very well
: to hold up and show (something) in an excited or proud way

flourish

noun

Definition of flourish for English Language Learners

: something that is added as a detail or decoration
: a dramatic or fancy way of doing something
: a sudden smooth movement that is likely to be noticed

FLOURISH Defined for Kids

flourish

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verb flour·ish \ˈflər-ish\

Definition of flourish for Students

flourished

;

flourishing

1 : to grow well : thrive Plants flourish in this rich soil.
2 : to do well : enjoy success This style of art flourished in the 1920s.
3 : to make sweeping movements with He flourished a sword.

flourish

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noun flour·ish

Definition of flourish for Students

1 : a fancy bit of decoration added to something He added a flourish to his signature.
2 : a sweeping motion She removed her hat with a flourish.