First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1flourish
verb flour·ish \ˈflər-ish, ˈflə-rish\
: to grow well : to be healthy
: to be very successful : to do very well
: to hold up and show (something) in an excited or proud way
Full Definition of FLOURISH
intransitive verb
1
: to grow luxuriantly : thrive
2
a : to achieve success : prosper <a flourishing business> b : to be in a state of activity or production <flourished around 1850> c : to reach a height of development or influence
3
: to make bold and sweeping gestures
transitive verb
: to wield with dramatic gestures : brandish
— flour·ish·er noun
— flour·ish·ing·ly \-i-shiŋ-lē\ adverb
See flourish defined for English-language learners
See flourish defined for kids
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Origin of FLOURISH
Middle English florisshen, from Anglo-French fluriss-, stem of flurir, florir, from Vulgar Latin *florire, alteration of Latin florēre, from flor-, flos flower
Synonym Discussion of FLOURISH
swing, wave, flourish, brandish, thrash mean to wield or cause to move to and fro or up and down. swing implies regular or uniform movement <swing the rope back and forth>. wave usually implies smooth or continuous motion <waving the flag>. flourish suggests vigorous, ostentatious, graceful movement <flourished the winning lottery ticket>. brandish implies threatening or menacing motion <brandishing a knife>. thrash suggests vigorous, abrupt, violent movement <an infant thrashing his arms about>.
swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite. swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side <the door suddenly swung open>. sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement <trees swaying in the breeze>. oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction <an oscillating fan>. vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact <the vibrating strings of a piano>. fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value <fluctuating interest rates>. waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering <the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing>. undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion <an undulating sea of grass>.
swing, sway, oscillate, vibrate, fluctuate, waver, undulate mean to move from one direction to its opposite. swing implies a movement of something attached at one end or one side <the door suddenly swung open>. sway implies a slow swinging or teetering movement <trees swaying in the breeze>. oscillate stresses a usually regular alternation of direction <an oscillating fan>. vibrate suggests the rapid oscillation of an elastic body under stress or impact <the vibrating strings of a piano>. fluctuate suggests constant irregular changes of level, intensity, or value <fluctuating interest rates>. waver stresses irregular motion suggestive of reeling or tottering <the exhausted runner wavered before collapsing>. undulate suggests a gentle wavelike motion <an undulating sea of grass>.
2flourish
noun
: something that is added as a detail or decoration
: a dramatic or fancy way of doing something
: a sudden smooth movement that is likely to be noticed
Full Definition of FLOURISH
1
: an act or instance of brandishing or waving
2
a : a florid bit of speech or writing <rhetorical flourishes> b : an ornamental stroke in writing or printing c : a decorative or finishing detail <a house with clever little flourishes>
3
: fanfare
4
a : a period of thriving b : a luxuriant growth or profusion <a flourish of white hair> <a springtime flourish of color>
5
: showiness in the doing of something <opened the door with a flourish>
6
: a sudden burst <a flourish of activity>
See flourish defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FLOURISH
circa 1552
FLOURISHINGLY Defined for Kids
1flourish
verb flour·ish \ˈflər-ish\
flour·ishedflour·ish·ing
Definition of FLOURISH for Kids
1
: to grow well : thrive <Plants flourish in this rich soil.>
2
: to do well : enjoy success <This style of art flourished in the 1920s.>
3
: to make sweeping movements with <He flourished a sword.>
2flourish
noun
Definition of FLOURISH for Kids
1
: a fancy bit of decoration added to something <He added a flourish to his signature.>
2
: a sweeping motion <She removed her hat with a flourish.>
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