develop

To make something new, or help something become better or more complete.

• Reading helps you develop your language skills.
• Our team developed a new app for children.
• She is developing her idea into a business plan.

Similar words: build, improve

Common phrases: develop skills, develop a product, develop an idea

To grow and change as a living thing becomes older.

• The baby is developing well.
• These plants develop strong roots in wet soil.
• Children develop at different rates.

Similar words: grow, mature

Common phrases: develop normally, develop roots, develop rapidly

To create something new by working on it and planning it.

• We need to develop a plan.
• The company developed a cheaper heating system.
• Scientists are developing new ways to store energy.

Similar words: create, design, devise

Common phrases: develop a plan, develop new software, develop a method

To change gradually through several stages, becoming something different or more complete.

• The storm developed into a hurricane.
• Their friendship developed slowly over several years.
• How did the situation develop into a crisis?

How to use it: develop into something (The small argument developed into a serious conflict.); develop from A into B (The storm developed from a weak disturbance into a hurricane.)

Similar words: evolve, progress

Common phrases: develop into something, develop from something, develop gradually