develop
verb (transitive)
UK/dɪˈvɛləp/US/dɪˈvɛləp/
To assign new tasks or responsibilities to someone.
Example Sentences
The manager developed her team members with new responsibilities to enhance their skills.
They developed him with the task of leading the new marketing initiative.
She was developed to oversee the company's expansion into international markets.
The supervisor developed her employees by assigning them to different projects.
He was developed to handle customer relations and improve client satisfaction.
The coach developed the players by giving them specific roles and training routines.
They developed the intern with tasks that would help her gain valuable industry experience.
The project leader developed the team by entrusting them with critical aspects of the project.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To grow, progress, or expand something through systematic steps.“Develop” is used to describe the process of growing or improving something over time. In practical contexts, you might say, “I plan to develop my leadership skills,” highlighting a goal to enhance specific abilities. In business discussions, you could explain that you want to “develop a new product,” which implies taking concrete steps toward innovation. When writing instructions, “develop” can signal the intention to build or expand on an existing idea, as in “develop your argument thoroughly.” It also appears in technology settings, such as “developers” who craft software or applications. “Develop” often pairs with direct objects (e.g., “develop a plan,” “develop a relationship,” “develop a strategy”) and can be used in various tense forms to describe both ongoing and completed changes. Whether you’re advising someone to “start developing positive habits” or reflecting on your own progress (“I have developed a new approach”), “develop” underscores a transformative process that takes place gradually, yet steadily, over time.
Alternatives
If you’d like alternatives to “develop,” consider words like “advance,” “expand,” “grow,” or “evolve.” “Advance” indicates moving forward, whether in skill, technology, or position. “Expand” typically focuses on increasing the scope or capacity of something, such as a project or an idea. “Grow” conveys a more organic process, emphasizing gradual improvement or natural progress. Meanwhile, “evolve” implies a progression shaped by adaptation or change. Each of these words can be used interchangeably in certain contexts, but their nuances allow you to choose more precise language. For instance, you might say you want to “advance research on renewable energy” to emphasize deliberate forward movement, while “grow interest” leans on a more organic, people-focused expansion. These terms help keep language varied and engaging, ensuring your statements resonate with different audiences. By selecting the right word, you highlight specific qualities in your discussion and communicate the exact nature of progress or improvement.
Writing
When writing with the word “develop,” clarity and detail are key. Always specify what is being developed and why it matters. For instance, “We will develop a robust marketing plan targeting young professionals” is more compelling than simply stating “We plan to develop a marketing plan.” By highlighting the purpose and direction, you help readers understand the goals driving that development. Also, consider transitions and supporting evidence to illustrate how something is developed step by step. Whether it is a new argument, a character in fiction, or a piece of technology, systematic elaboration keeps readers engaged. Using “develop” in conjunction with varied vocabulary—like “strengthen,” “enhance,” or “refine”—adds texture to your writing. Remember that “develop” conveys ongoing action; pairing it with time markers or phases can further underscore the progression (“Initially, we will develop the concept, then refine it in the second phase”).
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “develop” can help describe personal growth or progress in simple, relatable terms. For example, you might say, “I’m trying to develop better study habits,” to show you’re working on an improvement. In hobbies or interests, you could mention, “I developed a passion for cooking after trying new recipes.” The word highlights a process, so it signals that something isn’t instant but unfolds over time. It’s also handy when talking about relationships: “We developed a close friendship over the summer” shows a bond that formed gradually. Incorporating “develop” into casual chat emphasizes conscious effort or natural progression, whether discussing your career, personal interests, or social connections. By using “develop” this way, you communicate that changes and improvements are intentional, ongoing, and often exciting.
Etymology
“Develop” traces back to the French “développer,” itself from Old French “desveloper,” meaning “to unwrap” or “unfold.” Initially, it carried the sense of unwrapping or revealing something hidden, eventually evolving to indicate growth, expansion, or maturation. Over centuries, “develop” broadened into a versatile term for any form of progress, whether intellectual, technological, or personal. Its widespread usage across various fields—like business, technology, and personal growth—reflects how humans continually seek to refine and improve. Historically, the term gained prominence in industrial and scientific contexts, highlighting the drive to create new products, refine methods, and deepen understanding. This linguistic background reminds us that to “develop” something is essentially to uncover its full potential, gradually bringing latent possibilities into the open through persistent effort.
