v. i. [ imp. Throve r Thrived p. p. Thrived or Thriven p. pr. & vb. n. Thriving. ] [ OE. þriven, Icel. þrīfask; probably originally, to grasp for one's self, from þrīfa to grasp; akin to Dan. trives to thrive, Sw. trifvas. Cf. Thrift. ] 1. To prosper by industry, economy, and good management of property; to increase in goods and estate; as, a farmer thrives by good husbandry. [ 1913 Webster ] Diligence and humility is the way to thrive in the riches of the understanding, as well as in gold. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To prosper in any business; to have increase or success. “They by vices thrive.” Sandys. [ 1913 Webster ] O son, why sit we here, each other viewing
Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives? Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] And so she throve and prospered. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To increase in bulk or stature; to grow vigorously or luxuriantly, as a plant; to flourish; as, young cattle thrive in rich pastures; trees thrive in a good soil. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
