What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thrive
Example
Despite facing many challenges, the company continues to thrive in the competitive market. [thrive: verb]
Example
The garden is thriving with beautiful flowers and lush greenery. [thriving: present participle]
flourish
Example
The arts and culture scene in the city is flourishing, with new galleries and theaters opening up. [flourish: verb]
Example
She has a natural talent for painting and her artistic skills are flourishing. [flourishing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thrive is more commonly used than flourish in everyday language. Thrive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while flourish is slightly less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thrive and flourish?
Both thrive and flourish can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, thrive is often associated with a more professional and business-oriented tone, while flourish can have a slightly more artistic and creative connotation.
