Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Flourish
To grow, develop, or thrive; to be successful or prosperous.
verbπ‘
Imagine This
Picture a neglected garden that, after careful tending, bursts into lush growth: vines climb, flowers bloom, and the entire space feels vibrant and thriving.
π
Sounds Like
FLOUR-ish (sounds like 'flower' + 'ish')
π
Looks Like
looks like 'flower' with an 'ish' suffix; visually resembles the word 'flower'
π
Remember This
The root flor- means flower; flourish comes from Latin florere meaning to blossom. The word also exists as a noun meaning a decorative gesture or embellishment.
π
Other Forms
flourishesverb (3rd person singular present)
flourishedverb (past tense)
flourishingverb/participle
flourishnoun
π
Note
As a verb, flourish means to grow vigorously or prosper. As a noun, it refers to a dramatic or decorative gesture, stroke, or embellishment. Do not confuse with 'florid' (overly ornate) or with the plant-specific 'flower'.
π§
Study Deeper
Examples
- The town began to flourish after the new investment arrived.
- Her talents flourished in the creative environment of the school.
Synonyms
thriveprosperblossombloomburgeon
Antonyms
witherdeclinewane
Etymology
From Old French flourir 'to flower, to bloom', from Latin florΔre 'to blossom'; the noun sense 'a decorative stroke' derives from the idea of flourishing in writing or art.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: FLOURISH = FLOWER + ISH. Imagine a garden that is so vibrant it looks FLOWER-ISH, helping you remember that it means to grow and thrive.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Bombast
nounPompous, inflated speech or writing that is meant to impress but often lacks substance.
Uneven
adjectiveNot level or smooth; lacking uniformity in form, texture, or distribution, and can also describe inconsistent or irregular performance.
Fallacious
adjectiveDeceptive; based on or characterized by a fallacy; likely to mislead.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Thrive
verbTo grow, develop, or be successful; to flourish, especially under favorable conditions.
Prosper
verbto be successful or thriving, especially financially; to flourish or gain wealth, health, or influence.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.