develop
She wants to develop her skills in public speaking.
She wants to improve or build her ability to speak in public.
to create or produce something new, such as a product, plan, or idea
The company plans to develop a new mobile app.
The company intends to create and build a new application for phones.
Commonly used in business and tech contexts regarding product creation.
to become more advanced, mature, or complex over time
Children develop language skills rapidly.
Children acquire and improve their ability to use language quickly.
Used for natural growth processes in people, animals, or situations.
to process film to make images visible
He went to the lab to develop his photos.
He went to the laboratory to chemically process the film to see the pictures.
Specific to traditional photography.
to begin to suffer from a disease or condition
He developed a fever after the trip.
He began to have a fever after traveling.
Used when a negative health condition starts.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Process vs. Result
Use 'develop' when focusing on the process of growth or creation. If you mean the final result is ready, use 'create' or 'produce' instead.
Gold Rule
Transitivity
'Develop' can be transitive (I develop software) or intransitive (The situation developed quickly). Ensure the subject makes sense for the action.
Word Origin
From Old French 'desveloper', meaning 'to unwrap' or 'to uncover', from 'des-' (undo) + 'veloper' (wrap).
Usage Notes
Develop is a versatile verb used for both gradual natural growth (skills, relationships) and intentional creation (products, plans). It implies a process over time, not an instant action.