develop
Pronunciation
  • (GA, RP) IPA: /dɪˈvɛ.ləp/
  • (InE) IPA: /ˈdɛv.ləp/, /dɛˈvɛ.ləp/
Verb

develop (develops, present participle developing; past and past participle developed)

  1. (intransitive) To change with a specific direction, progress.
    Let's see how things develop and then make our decision.
  2. (ambitransitive) To progress through a sequence of stages.
    Isabel developed from a tropical depression to a tropical storm to a hurricane.   An embryo develops into a fetus and then into an infant.
    • All insects […] acquire the jointed legs before the wings are fully developed.
  3. (transitive) To advance; to further; to promote the growth of.
    • (Thucydides)
      We must develop our own resources to the utmost.
  4. (transitive) To create.
    I need to develop a plan for the next three weeks.
  5. (transitive) To bring out images latent in photographic film.
    Please develop this roll of film.
  6. (transitive) To acquire something usually over a period of time.
    I have been in England enough to develop a British accent.
    You will develop calluses if you play the cello.
    She developed bad eating habits.
  7. (chess, transitive) To place one's pieces actively.
    I need to develop my white-square bishop.
  8. (snooker, pool) To cause a ball to become more open and available to be played on later. Usually by moving it away from the cushion, or by opening a pack.
  9. (math) To change the form of (an algebraic expression, etc.) by executing certain indicated operations without changing the value.
Related terms Translations Translations Translations Translations Translations
  • French: se développer
  • German: entwickeln
  • Russian: развива́ть



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