thrive

Thrive is a verb meaning to grow, develop, and prosper; to flourish or to progress vigorously. The form thriving functions as a participle or noun in many contexts, describing a state of robust growth, health, or success. In common usage, thrive connotes movement beyond mere endurance toward positive development.

In biology and ecology, thrive describes organisms or populations that grow well when conditions are favorable. Availability of resources such as food, water, space, and suitable climate, along with low stress, supports thriving; limited resources or disturbances can hinder it.

In human development, thriving refers to high well-being, vitality, and functioning. It is used in psychology, education, health, and social policy to describe people who demonstrate learning, resilience, connectedness, autonomy, and purpose. The concept is related to positive psychology and the study of flourishing, well-being, and sustainable growth.

In organizational contexts, thriving is used to describe workplaces and individuals that sustain engagement, learning, adaptability, and performance. Programs aimed at promoting thriving often emphasize supportive leadership, opportunities for growth, meaningful work, and healthy work environments.

The term is widely used across disciplines to convey more than survival, emphasizing growth and flourishing. Related concepts include flourishing, prosperity, and growth, and the idea that thriving can be fostered through supportive conditions and opportunities.