Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1600-1700
Language: French
Origin: développer, from Old French voloper 'to wrap'


Related topics: Technology, Photography
de‧vel‧op S3 W1


[intransitive and transitive] to grow or change into something bigger, stronger, or more advanced, or to make someone or something do this [↪ advance]:
Knowledge in the field of genetics has been developing very rapidly.
Corsica has developed its economy around the tourist industry.
develop into
Chicago developed into a big city in the late 1800s.
develop from
It's hard to believe that a tree can develop from a small seed.
exercises to develop muscle strength

new idea/product

[transitive] to design or make a new idea, product, system etc over a period of time:
Scientists are developing new drugs to treat arthritis.
She should have developed her own style instead of copying him.
Researchers are developing technology for the US military.


[transitive] to start to have a feeling or quality that then becomes stronger:
He had developed a certain affection for me.
develop a sense/awareness/knowledge of something
The children are beginning to develop a sense of responsibility.
It was in college that he developed a taste for (=started to like) rugby football.


[intransitive and transitive] if you develop a skill or ability, or if it develops, it becomes stronger or more advanced:
The course is designed to help students develop their speaking skills.


[intransitive and transitive] if you develop a disease or illness, or if it develops, you start to have it:
Some alcoholics develop liver disease.
Pneumonia can develop very quickly.


[transitive] to begin to have a physical fault:
The oil tank had developed a small crack.
The plane developed engine trouble and was forced to land.


[intransitive] if a problem or difficult situation develops, it begins to happen or exist, or it gets worse:
Trouble is developing in the cities.
develop into
Regional clashes could develop into larger quarrels.


[transitive] to make an argument or idea clearer, by studying it more or by speaking or writing about it in more detail:
We will develop a few of these points in the seminar.


[transitive]HET to use land for the things that people need, for example by taking minerals out of it or by building on it:
The land was developed for low-cost housing.


[intransitive and transitive]TCP to make a photograph out of a photographic film, using chemicals:
Did you ever get the pictures developed?

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