English Profile

develop · verb

/dɪˈvel.əp/Full view

Word family

Nouns: developer, development, redevelopment

Adjectives: developed, developing, developmental, undeveloped

Verbs: develop

develop (CHANGE)

B1 I or T to (cause something to) grow or change and become more advanced

Dictionary examples:

The baby develops inside the mother for nine months.

Over time, their acquaintance developed into a lasting friendship.

This exercise is designed to develop the shoulder and back muscles.

I'm looking for a job which will enable me to develop my skills/talents.

Learner example:

Therefore it's an important tool that is used to develop new friendships. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

develop (MAKE)

B1 T to make something new such as a product

Dictionary examples:

Scientists are developing new drugs all the time.

The company is spending $650 million on developing new products/technology.

Learner example:

With more free time we can develop new tec[h]nology, learn more about ourselves and the world that surrounds us. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

develop (ILLNESS)

B2 I or T If you develop an illness or problem, or if it develops, you start to suffer from it.

Dictionary examples:

The study showed that one in twelve women is likely to develop breast cancer.

She's developed some very strange habits lately.

Learner example:

They often developed the same symptoms as can be seen among mentally disturbed human beings. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

develop (HAPPEN)

C2 I to start to happen or exist

Dictionary example:

Further problems may develop if you do not deal with this now.

Learner example:

But it's not only financial problems which can develop as a result of more people living longer in a society. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)