thrive /θraɪv/ BrE AmE verb ( past tense thrived or throve /θrəʊv $ θroʊv/, past participle thrived ) [intransitive] formal
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Language: Old Norse ; Origin: thrifask , probably from thrifa 'to seize' ]
to become very successful or very strong and healthy:
plants that thrive in tropical rain forests
a business which managed to thrive during a recession
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In everyday English, people usually say do well rather than thrive :
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The whole family seems to be doing well.
thrive on something phrasal verb
to enjoy or be successful in a particular situation, especially one that other people find difficult or unpleasant:
I wouldn’t want that much pressure, but she seems to thrive on it.