Looking up...
blossom
/ˈblɒsəm/
flower or flourish
The cherry trees blossom in spring.
The cherry trees produce flowers in spring.
literal
A flower or cluster of flowers on a tree or bush.
The apple tree is covered in pink blossoms.
The apple tree is covered in pink flowers.
Often used in poetry or descriptions of nature.
literalfigurative
To produce flowers; to flourish or develop successfully.
Her business began to blossom after the new marketing campaign.
Her business started to grow and succeed after the new marketing campaign.
Can describe both literal growth (plants) and metaphorical success (ideas, careers, relationships).
Collocations
in full blossomat the peak of floweringblossom intodevelop into a successful state
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 'blossom' and 'bloom'
'Blossom' often refers to the collective flowers on a tree or bush, while 'bloom' can refer to a single flower or the act of flowering. 'Blossom' also carries a stronger sense of potential or development.
Gold Rule
Use 'blossom' for trees and bushes
Reserve 'blossom' primarily for flowers on trees or shrubs (e.g., cherry blossom). For individual flowers, 'bloom' is more common.
Word Origin
From Old English 'blōstm' (blossom, flower), related to Old Norse 'blóm', Dutch 'bloesem', and German 'Blüte'. Ultimately from Proto-Germanic '*blōstmaz'.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'blossom' often refers to the flowers of fruit trees (e.g., cherry blossom). As a verb, it emphasizes the process of flowering or metaphorical growth. Common in both literal and figurative contexts.
Word Breakdown
bloss-
to flower
root-om
noun suffix indicating result of action
suffixEnglish Dictionary