What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thrive
Example
The company thrived in the competitive market, expanding its operations globally. [thrive: verb]
Example
Despite the difficult conditions, the plant managed to thrive and produce beautiful flowers. [thrive: verb]
prosper
Example
After years of hard work, he finally prospered and became a millionaire. [prosper: verb]
Example
The country's economy has been prospering, leading to improved living standards. [prospering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prosper is more commonly used than thrive in everyday language, especially in the context of financial success. Thrive is often found in self-help and personal development literature, but it is less frequently used in general conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thrive and prosper?
Both thrive and prosper can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, prosper is more commonly associated with a formal tone due to its connection with financial matters, while thrive can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
