German word

gedeihen

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈdaɪ̯ən/

Meaning

  • verbthrive

Example

Die Pflanzen gedeihen im neuen Gewächshaus.

The plants are thriving in the new greenhouse.

Illustration for gedeihen (thrive)

More examples

Pflanzen gedeihen in feuchter Erde besser.

Plants thrive better in moist soil.

Core concept

Healthy growth spreading from a favorable setting into visible success.

Common phrases

  • in feuchter Erde gedeihen

    thrive in moist soil

  • prächtig gedeihen

    flourish splendidly

  • bei günstigen Bedingungen gedeihen

    thrive under favorable conditions

Similar words

wachsen: Become larger or taller as part of natural growth.
sich entwickeln: Gradually develop as qualities or conditions change.
blühen: Open into flowers and display blossoms.
aufblühen: Become more lively, energetic, and successful.

Definition in German

unter günstigen Bedingungen gesund wachsen oder sich positiv entwickeln; oft für Pflanzen, Projekte oder Zustände verwendet.

Word origin

The verb is inherited from Old High German gidîhan and Middle High German gedîhen, whose sense already covered growing well and prospering.

Usage tips

  • Gedeihen often describes plants, projects, or conditions and sounds more formal than everyday wachsen for physical growth.

Other meanings

  • prosperverb
  • go wellverb
  • flourishverb

Opposites

  • verkümmernwitherverb
  • verwelkenwiltverb

Related words

  • Gedeihenprosperitynoun
  • gedeihlichthrivingadjective
  • missgedeihenfail to thriveverb

Word lists with this word