Meaning & use
flourishes
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“flourishes” is a form of “flourish”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
Third person singular of flourish: grows or develops strongly and healthily, or does very well.
Grammar: No object: the business flourishes.
Patterns
- flourish in something
The garden flourishes every spring thanks to regular rain.
Her small business flourishes because customers trust her.
Music flourishes in a town that supports its schools.
nounusually plural
Decorative extras in writing, music or movement, or large showy gestures meant to impress.
Grammar: Usually plural: elegant flourishes, a flourish of the pen.
Patterns
- with a flourish
- add flourishes to something
The letter ended with elegant flourishes in the signature.
The pianist added flourishes to the melody.
The waiter opened the menu with a series of flourishes.
verbtransitive
Third person singular of flourish: waves something about in the air to be noticed.
Grammar: Takes an object: he flourishes a flag.
Patterns
- flourish something
He flourishes a flag at every game.
She flourishes her ticket as she runs onto the platform.
Word forms
| base form | flourish |
|---|---|
| past tense | flourished |
| -ing form | flourishing |
Common combinations
- flourishes in warm weather
- The plant flourishes in warm weather.
- decorative flourishes
- The poster is full of decorative flourishes.
- with a flourish
- He signed the contract with a flourish.
- flourishes under pressure
- She flourishes under pressure.
- musical flourishes
- The band added musical flourishes to the song.
Synonyms and how they differ
- thrives
- Thrives is almost the same for growth and success, but flourishes feels slightly more graceful and visible.
- prospers
- Prospers is used mostly for money and success, while flourishes also fits plants and arts.
- embellishments
- Embellishments are extra decorations in general, while flourishes are bold or curly ones.
- blooms
- Blooms refers to producing flowers or growing well, but flourishes does not need flowers.
Opposites
Word family
- flourish verb
- to grow or do well
- flourishing adjective
- growing or succeeding well
- flourished verb
- past tense of flourish
Commonly confused: flourishes or flurries?
flourishes vs flurries
Flurries are short bursts of snow or activity. Flourishes are decorative extras or thriving growth.
Practice
Which word best completes the sentence? The new restaurant ___ because the food is excellent.
Choose one answer.
Flourishes means does very well, which fits excellent food. Withers and declines mean the opposite, and hesitates does not fit the cause.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “flourishes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.