verb

develop

dih-VEHL-uhp

verb

To grow or change gradually into a more advanced state.

"The town has developed rapidly over the last decade."

"Children develop language skills at different rates."

To create or work something out over time.

"The team developed a new app for tracking expenses."

To treat photographic film chemically so its image becomes visible.

"He still develops his own black-and-white film at home."

How to Use Develop

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo grow, build, or bring something into being step by step; also used for processing camera film.

Common pairings

develop a plan develop a habit develop software develop film

developed past tense, developt past tense, develops singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The town has _____ rapidly over the last decade.

From French développer, ultimately from a Vulgar Latin word meaning "to unwrap" — the opposite of "envelop".