from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Thrive \Thrive\ (thr[imac]v), v. i. [imp. {Throve} (thr[=o]v) or
{Thrived} (thr[imac]vd); p. p. {Thrived} or {Thriven}
(thr[i^]v"'n); p. pr. & vb. n. {Thriving}.] [OE.
[thorn]riven, Icel. [thorn]r[imac]fask; probably originally,
to grasp for one's self, from [thorn]r[imac]fa to grasp; akin
to Dan. trives to thrive, Sw. trifvas. Cf. {Thrift}.]
1. To prosper by industry, economy, and good management of
property; to increase in goods and estate; as, a farmer
thrives by good husbandry.
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Diligence and humility is the way to thrive in the
riches of the understanding, as well as in gold.
--I. Watts.
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2. To prosper in any business; to have increase or success.
"They by vices thrive." --Sandys.
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O son, why sit we here, each other viewing
Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives?
--Milton.
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And so she throve and prospered. --Tennyson.
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3. To increase in bulk or stature; to grow vigorously or
luxuriantly, as a plant; to flourish; as, young cattle
thrive in rich pastures; trees thrive in a good soil.
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