prosper

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "prosper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is successful, thriving, or growing. Example sentence: With hard work and dedication, I am confident that my business will prosper.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But while locals that are savvy enough to jump ship can prosper, those wedded to the traditional pastoral life are pushed into deep poverty.

The Guardian

That's true, though it's hard to see what difference it makes: if thinktanks survive and prosper because their position just happens consistently to align with the grimmest of corporate interests, the politics of the relationship don't change very much.

The Guardian - Opinion

If not, there's a sizeable risk that M&B, a decent company with potential to prosper again, will be towed away on the cheap by Lewis in his big yacht.

The Guardian - Business

While being a woman or living in a remote area already limits the number of opportunities people have to prosper, being disabled further marginalises them.

The Guardian

In separate work, published on Monday, Wolfgang Lutz, director of the Vienna Institute of Demography, highlighted education as crucial in not only reducing birth rates but also enabling people to prosper even while populations are growing fast.

The Guardian

In six months' time, Britain will face a choice: the long-term plan that has seen it prosper, or the easy answers that would surely have seen it fail.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rotherham proved they have what it takes to prosper in the Championship after getting the better of Blackburn 2-0 at New York Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

She is exactly the sort of progressive voter the main parties need to win over if they are to prosper in the capital on 7 May.

The Guardian

Can you prosper as a two-thirds investment bank?

The Guardian - Business

With the pitch displaying a green tinge two days before the first ball is sent down, fast bowlers are once again expected to prosper.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone associated with Frank, it seemed, was destined to grow and to prosper and to leave him behind.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prosper" to convey a sense of overall success and flourishing, especially in business, personal development, or societal contexts. It implies more than just achieving a goal; it suggests sustained growth and well-being.

Common error

Avoid using "prosper" in contexts that require a more specific verb, such as "grow" for physical size or "succeed" for achieving a particular objective. Ensure the context aligns with the broader sense of flourishing and overall well-being that "prosper" conveys.

Linguistic Context

The word "prosper" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating a state of thriving, succeeding, or flourishing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a positive and progressive condition. It's usage is well-supported by numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prosper" is a versatile and commonly used verb that signifies thriving, succeeding, and general well-being. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and effective across various contexts. Predominantly featured in news, business, and scientific domains, it conveys a positive and progressive message. When aiming to convey a sense of growth, success, and flourishing, especially in professional or formal settings, "prosper" serves as a powerful and appropriate choice. For those instances where a more specific tone is needed, synonyms like "flourish" or "thrive" can offer nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flourish

Implies vigorous growth and thriving, often in a biological or artistic sense; slightly more vivid than "prosper".

thrive

Suggests vigorous growth and development, often overcoming challenges; implies resilience.

succeed

Focuses on achieving a desired outcome or goal; more outcome-oriented than "prosper".

advance

Indicates forward movement and progress, often in a career or project; emphasizes progression.

grow

Refers to an increase in size, number, or strength; more general than "prosper".

do well

A simpler, more general way of expressing success or positive performance; less formal than "prosper".

boom

Suggests a rapid and significant increase in economic activity or popularity; more dramatic than "prosper".

prevail

Implies overcoming obstacles and emerging victorious; emphasizes triumph over adversity.

blossom

Suggests a beautiful or flourishing development, often used metaphorically; carries a more aesthetic connotation.

bear fruit

Emphasizes the positive results or outcomes of effort or investment; focuses on tangible benefits.

FAQs

How do I use "prosper" in a sentence?

Use "prosper" to describe a state of growth, success, and overall well-being. For example, "Businesses can "prosper" with innovative strategies" or "Communities "prosper" when they invest in education".

What can I say instead of "prosper"?

You can use alternatives like "flourish", "thrive", or "succeed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Flourish" implies vigorous growth, while "thrive" suggests resilience, and "succeed" focuses on achieving a goal.

Which is correct, "prosper" or "prosperity"?

"Prosper" is a verb, meaning to thrive or be successful. "Prosperity" is a noun, referring to a state of being successful and wealthy. Use ""prosper"" when describing an action and "prosperity" when describing a state.

What's the difference between "prosper" and "grow"?

"Grow" refers to an increase in size, number, or strength, while ""prosper"" implies a more holistic and positive development, encompassing overall well-being and success. Something can "grow" without necessarily prospering, but to "prosper" generally involves growth.