- (v.i.) To become apparent gradually; as, a picture on sensitive paper develops on the application of heat; the plans of the conspirators develop.
- (v.i.) To go through a process of natural evolution or growth, by successive changes from a less perfect to a more perfect or more highly organized state; to advance from a simpler form of existence to one more complex either in structure or function; as, a blossom develops from a bud; the seed develops into a plant; the embryo develops into a well-formed animal; the mind develops year by year.
- (v.t.) To cause to become visible, as an invisible or latent image upon plate, by submitting it to chemical agents; to bring to view.
- (v.t.) To advance; to further; to prefect; to make to increase; to promote the growth of.
- (v.t.) To change the form of, as of an algebraic expression, by executing certain indicated operations without changing the value.
- (v.t.) To free from that which infolds or envelops; to unfold; to lay open by degrees or in detail; to make visible or known; to disclose; to produce or give forth; as, to develop theories; a motor that develops 100 horse power.
- (v.t.) To unfold gradually, as a flower from a bud; hence, to bring through a succession of states or stages, each of which is preparatory to the next; to form or expand by a process of growth; to cause to change gradually from an embryo or a lower state, to a higher state or form of being; as, sunshine and rain develop the bud into a flower; to develop the mind.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). develop. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/develop/definitions/1996956 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "develop" http://smartdefine.org/develop/definitions/1996956 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, develop, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/develop/definitions/1996956>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "develop" 27 May 2011. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/develop/definitions/1996956> |