develop
/dɪˈveləp/ verbDefinition
› [I or T] to grow or change into a more advanced, larger, or stronger form, or to make something do this: They tracked the storms as they developed, and then began canceling and diverting flights. The company later developed into a worldwide chain.develop from sth (to sth) The project has taken eight years to develop from idea to fully-fledged movie. Dual-side marketing is a new concept and requires time to fully develop.
› [T] to invent something or bring something such as a product or service into existence: The software was developed by a marine science consulting firm. In an era of innovation, they will need to demonstrate leadership in developing new industries and products.
› [T] to think of and produce a plan or idea: The bill calls on the Energy Department to develop a plan to cut gasoline consumption by 20% by 2017. The group developed the strategy with Guyana's government.
› [I or T] ECONOMICS if a country develops, it gets more industry and economic activity and becomes richer: No country has ever successfully developed on aid alone.
› [I or T] HR to learn and improve a skill, ability, quality, etc.: They will have to be more flexible and develop new skills.
› [T] PROPERTY to build houses, factories, stores, etc., on a piece of land: Land along the canal was developed long before the existing flood walls were built.develop sth into sth Property along coastlines has been bought and developed into resorts and vacation homes.
› [T] NATURAL RESOURCES to take natural resources from an area of land, or to make it possible to do this: Plans to develop an iron ore mine in the north-western region of Pilbara were rejected by the Environmental Protection Authority.
(Definition of develop verb from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary
© Cambridge University Press)
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