Spanish word

desarrollo

Pronunciation

IPA/desaˈroʝo/

Meaning

  • masculine noundevelopment

Example

El desarrollo de la ciudad fue muy rápido.

The development of the city was very rapid.

Illustration for desarrollo (development)

More examples

El desarrollo sostenible es clave para el futuro.

Sustainable development is key for the future.

Core concept

A bud slowly opening into branches and new leaves.

Common phrases

  • desarrollo sostenible

    sustainable development

  • desarrollo económico

    economic development

  • desarrollo personal

    personal development

Similar words

progreso: Steady forward improvement that produces a noticeably better state or outcome.
crecimiento: Increase in size, amount, or number; measurable growth in quantity.
evolución: Slow, stage-by-stage change that unfolds across successive phases.
avance: A concrete forward step or movement that advances a process or position.

Definition in Spanish

Cambio gradual que permite la mejora o la ampliación de funciones, estructura o alcance de algo.

Word origin

The Spanish noun comes from desarrollar (des- 'undo' + arrollar 'to roll'), from Latin rotulus 'roll', so desarrollo evokes unrolling or gradual unfolding.

Usage tips

  • Desarrollo often pairs with projects or systems (desarrollo urbano, de producto, humano) and contrasts with crecimiento for mere numerical increase and with progreso for clear improvement.

Other meanings

  • growthnoun
  • progressnoun

Opposites

  • estancamientostagnationnoun
  • retrocesosetbacknoun

Related words

Word lists with this word