développer

to develop

verb deh-veh-loh-PEH Less Common

Usage Note

Développer is used both literally (develop a photo, develop land) and figuratively (develop an argument, develop skills). Se développer means 'to grow, to expand'. The noun le développement is very common in political and economic discourse (développement durable — 'sustainable development').

Examples

"Elle cherche à développer ses compétences."

Natural Translation

She is looking to develop her skills.

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