Dictionary definition · develop
verb
- make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation"Her company developed a new kind of building material that withstands all kinds of weather"
- work out"We have developed a new theory of evolution"
- gain through experience"I acquired a strong aversion to television"
- come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes)"He grew a beard"
- come into existence; take on form or shape"A new religious movement originated in that country"
- change the use of and make available or usable"develop land"
- elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses"Could you develop the ideas in your thesis"
- create by training and teaching"The old master is training world-class violinists"
- be gradually disclosed or unfolded; become manifest"The plot developed slowly"
- grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process of evolution, natural growth, differentiation, or a conducive environment"A flower developed on the branch"
- become technologically advanced"Many countries in Asia are now developing at a very fast pace"
- cause to grow and differentiate in ways conforming to its natural development"The perfect climate here develops the grain"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).