What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flourishing
Example
The company is flourishing under its new management. [flourishing: verb]
Example
The garden is flourishing with all the rain we've been getting. [flourishing: adjective]
thriving
Example
The small business is thriving despite the pandemic. [thriving: verb]
Example
The city's art scene is thriving with new galleries and events. [thriving: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thriving is slightly more common than flourishing in everyday language, especially when describing people and businesses. However, both words are relatively formal and may not be commonly used in casual conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flourishing and thriving?
Both flourishing and thriving are formal words that are typically used in professional or academic contexts. However, flourishing may be slightly more formal due to its association with economics and ecology.
