verb

develop

dih-VEL-up/dɪˈveləp/

To grow or make something more complete, advanced, or useful.

The small seedling develops into a strong plant with many leaves.

Three stages of same young seedling developing into strong leafy plant in pots, coherent progression, no words.

Etymology

The pieces express “unwrapping”: literal unfolding became a figurative image for bringing out potential and advancing toward a finished state. The deeper origin of voloper, “to wrap up,” is uncertain.

In context

eBoxing Academy3:02

punch mechanics entries and exits work these technical details into drills and develop them through boxing's natural training progression

Boxing Film Study for Beginners: Best Practices, Shortcuts, and Exercises for Observational Learning

More examples

The seedlings develop slowly in the cool weather.
We need more time to develop this rough plan.
Her confidence develops as she gains experience.

Forms

develop · develops · developed · developing

development noun — The process of growing or becoming more advanced.

Similar words

improve: Improve emphasizes making something better rather than simply growing.
mature: Mature emphasizes reaching full growth or readiness over time.
refine: Refine means improving details of something that already exists.