A2 noun Neutral #310 most common

development

/dɪˈvel.əp.mənt/

The process of growing, changing, or becoming more advanced over a period of time. It can also refer to a new event or a project, such as a new group of buildings.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The doctor is checking the baby's healthy development.

The doctor is checking the baby's healthy development.

2

The government is planning a new housing development in this area.

The government is planning a new housing development in this area.

3

What's the latest development with your weekend plans?

What's the latest development with your weekend plans?

Word Family

Noun
development
Verb
develop
Adverb
developmentally
Adjective
developing
Related
developer
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'developer' who takes a small photo and makes it large and clear; that process is 'development'.

Quick Quiz

The ______ of the new smartphone took nearly three years.

Correct!

The correct answer is: development

Examples

1

The doctor is checking the baby's healthy development.

everyday

The doctor is checking the baby's healthy development.

2

The government is planning a new housing development in this area.

formal

The government is planning a new housing development in this area.

3

What's the latest development with your weekend plans?

informal

What's the latest development with your weekend plans?

4

Economic development is the main focus of this university research paper.

academic

Economic development is the main focus of this university research paper.

5

Our company invests a lot of money in product development.

business

Our company invests a lot of money in product development.

Word Family

Noun
development
Verb
develop
Adverb
developmentally
Adjective
developing
Related
developer

Common Collocations

child development child development
economic development economic development
personal development personal development
sustainable development sustainable development
career development career development

Common Phrases

under development

under development

latest development

latest development

research and development

research and development

Often Confused With

development vs improvement

Improvement focuses on something getting better, while development focuses on growth or a new stage of a process.

development vs evolution

Evolution usually refers to slow biological change over millions of years, while development is more general.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'development' as an uncountable noun when talking about the general process of growing. Use it as a countable noun when talking about a specific new event or a group of buildings.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the verb 'developing' or the person 'developer' when they should use the noun 'development' for the process.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'developer' who takes a small photo and makes it large and clear; that process is 'development'.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French word 'desveloper', which means to unwrap or unfold something.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable when referring to a general process Countable when referring to a specific new event or building project Often followed by the preposition 'of'
🌍

Cultural Context

In international news, 'developing countries' refers to nations with less industrial growth working toward economic progress.

Quick Quiz

The ______ of the new smartphone took nearly three years.

Correct!

The correct answer is: development

Related Words

badly

A1

In a way that is not good, effective, or successful. It can also be used to mean 'very much' when you want or need something a lot.

lineup

A1

A lineup is a group of people or things organized in a specific order for an event or purpose. It is often used to describe players on a sports team, performers at a concert, or a list of products.

thoughtful

A1

Thoughtful describes someone who is kind and thinks about the needs or feelings of others. It can also describe a person who is thinking deeply or carefully about a specific subject.

skull

A1

The skull is the hard, bony structure that forms the head in humans and animals. Its main purpose is to protect the brain and support the shape of the face.

recipient

A1

A recipient is a person or group that receives something, such as a letter, a gift, or an award. It is a formal way to describe the person on the receiving end of an action or object.

shy

A1

Shy describes a person who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or timid around other people. It often involves a lack of confidence in social situations or a hesitation to speak and interact with strangers.

shorts

A1

Shorts are a type of clothing worn on the lower part of the body that covers the hips and the tops of the legs. They are typically worn in warm weather or during physical activities like sports and exercise.

meadow

A1

A meadow is a field covered with grass and often wildflowers. It is a natural area where grass is allowed to grow freely, often used for animals to graze or for people to enjoy nature.

disrupt

A1

To stop something from happening in the normal way or to cause a problem that interrupts a process. It is often used when an event or a system is forced to change its usual flow.

scary

A1

Something that is scary makes you feel afraid or frightened. It is often used to describe things like horror movies, monsters, or dangerous situations that cause a feeling of fear.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free