flourish
The small business flourished under her leadership.
La petite entreprise prospérait sous sa direction.
prospérer, se développer avec succès
Plants flourish in the warm climate.
Les plantes prospèrent dans un climat chaud.
The artist's career flourished during the Renaissance.
La carrière de l'artiste a prospéré pendant la Renaissance.
Can also describe a dramatic gesture, often used in writing or speech for emphasis (e.g., 'He flourished his sword.').
faire un geste théâtral ou élégant
With a flourish, she signed the treaty.
D'un geste théâtral, elle signa le traité.
Often used in historical or ceremonial contexts.
Collocations
Conseil pro
Avoid literal translations
Do not use 'florir' in French—it is archaic. Stick to 'prospérer' for growth and 'faire un geste théâtral' for dramatic movements.
Règle d'or
Context matters
Use 'flourish' for growth (literal or metaphorical) and 'flourish' (noun) for decorative embellishments or gestures.
Origine du mot
From Middle English *flourishen*, from Old French *florir* (modern French *fleurir*), from Latin *florere* ('to bloom'), from *flos* ('flower').
Notes d'usage
In French, 'flourish' as a verb is most commonly translated as 'prospérer' or 'se développer'. The noun form ('a flourish') translates to 'un geste théâtral' or 'une fioriture'.