Definition of Development
Quick Meaning of Development
The process of something growing or improving, or a new building or area built for a purpose.
Detailed Definition of Development
The process of growing, improving, or creating something; something new that has been built.
How to Pronounce Development
Stress pattern: oOoo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the second syllable: dih-VEL-up-ment. Has four syllables total.
Watch out: Often mispronounced as de-vel-op-MENT with stress on last syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Development
From 'develop' + '-ment' suffix meaning the result or process of an action.
How to Use Development in a Sentence
Each example shows “development” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Child development is studied carefully by psychologists.”
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“There is a new housing development on the edge of the city.”
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“The latest developments in technology change our daily lives.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Development
Common Synonyms for Development
Smart Synonyms for Development — When to Use Each
- growth
- for natural increase in size or maturity
- progress
- for improvement or advancement toward a goal
Common Collocations with Development
These phrases pair with “development” in everyday English:
- economic development
- child development
- professional development
- recent development
- latest development
Common Mistakes When Using Development
Even fluent speakers slip up with “development”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The development are important for our future.
- ✓ Correct: The developments are important for our future.
- Why: Use plural 'developments' with 'are'; singular form takes 'is'.
- ✗ Wrong: The development of the child is very quickly.
- ✓ Correct: The development of the child is very quick.
- Why: Use the adjective 'quick', not adverb 'quickly', after the verb 'is'.
Other Forms of Development
- Noun: development
- Verb: develop
- Adjective: developmental
Frequently Asked Questions About Development
What is the meaning of "Development"?
The process of something growing or improving, or a new building or area built for a purpose.
How do you pronounce "Development"?
The IPA is /dɪˈvɛləpmənt/. Stress the second syllable: dih-VEL-up-ment. Has four syllables total.
What part of speech is "Development"?
"Development" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Development"?
Common synonyms include growth, progress, evolution.
How do you use "Development" in a sentence?
For example: "Child development is studied carefully by psychologists."