development - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
development Word Meanings
- relating to growth or progress
- pertaining to the process of developing
- describing stages of advancement
development Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
development Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈvɛləpmənt/
US
/dɪˈvɛləpmənt/
development Word Etymology
de- = down/from + velop = wrap/envelope; from Latin 'developere' meaning to unwrap or unfold. Imagine peeling back layers of a cocoon to reveal a butterfly, symbolizing growth and transformation.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I plant my feet, breathe out, and push a plan forward. Pieces start to come together, and a small change happens as tasks fall into place. The effort feels steady, like keeping a grip and nudging things along. In daily life, this sense of development shows up when we adjust steps and keep moving toward a better result.
Real Context
Develop is a versatile verb meaning to cause growth, change, or creation, and it covers physical growth, skill or capability building, and the creation or improvement of products, plans, or systems. It describes progress that is gradual or stepwise, including developing a habit, a plan, or software. It often appears with objects like a skill, a plan, a market, or a feature, and can take the preposition into to indicate transformation (develop into a new form). Compared with grow, develop stresses purposeful action and structured progress; compared with evolve, it can imply deliberate intervention and planning to reach a goal.
Usage Reminders
- Develop is used for growth, change, and creation with intentional effort.
- Use it with a direct object like a skill, plan, or feature.
- Note that develop often implies a process, not a sudden change.
- Collocate with into to show transformation: develop into a new form.
- Be careful not to confuse with 'grow' when the change is deliberate.
Common Misconceptions
- Think develop only applies to people or personal growth.
- Confuse develop with grow in all contexts; they are not interchangeable.
- Assume you can use develop without a direct object.
- Ignore the into/transformational sense: develop into.
- Mix up development (noun) with develop (verb) too much.
Thinking Differences
In English, develop often implies a purposeful process with planning and effort, whereas grow can be more natural or passive and evolve emphasizes gradual change. Learners may confuse develop with grow in contexts like plants or populations, or miss the into- transformation construction.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations: develop a skill, develop a plan, develop software.
- Contrast develop with grow and evolve in sample sentences.
- Practice 'develop into' with realistic transformations.
- Use development as a noun to vary your writing.
- Record short prompts to describe gradual progress.
- Read/watch examples in business, tech, and education contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'development'?
A.Random
B.Stagnation
C.Decrease
D.Progress
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'development' used correctly?
A.She suffered a development in her health.
B.The city experienced a development in pollution.
C.He caused a development in the project.
D.The company saw a development in sales.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'development'?
A.Confusion
B.Decline
C.Stagnation
D.Growth
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'development'?
A.Improvement
B.Advancement
C.Expansion
D.Decay
Step 5: Mastery
How is the concept of 'development' important in personal growth?
A.It promotes learning and growth.
B.It hinders progress.
C.It allows for stagnation.
D.It encourages laziness.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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