Growth & Maturation Vocabulary

the process of trying to acquire or develop a quality or skill

“The cultivation of patience takes time and effort.”

Origin: Latin cultivare `to till, cultivate`, from cultus `tilled` + -ivare

the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually

“The lecture was intended for the edification of the students.”

Origin: Latin aedificare `to build`, from aedes `building` + facere `to make`

a moment of sudden revelation or insight

“She had an epiphany that changed her career path.”

Origin: Greek epiphaneia `manifestation, appearance`, from epi- `upon` + phainein `to show`

to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way

“The arts scene began to flourish in the new district.”

Origin: Latin florere `to flower, bloom`, from flos `flower`

the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form

“We witnessed the evolution of his writing style over the years.”

Origin: Latin evolutio `unrolling`, from evolvere `to unfold`, from e- `out` + volvere `to roll`

a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one

“The company underwent a metamorphosis into a global brand.”

Origin: Greek metamorphosis `transformation`, from meta- `change` + morphe `form`

to mature or develop in a promising or healthy way

“Their friendship began to blossom after the trip.”

Origin: Old English blostm, blostma `flower of a plant`, related to bloom

the development of something over a period of time

“The project had a long gestation period before launching.”

Origin: Latin gestatio `carrying, bearing`, from gestare `to carry, bear`

the realization of a potential

“Self-actualization is the highest need in Maslow's hierarchy.”

Origin: Latin actualis `active, practical`, from actus `a doing, act`

the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something

“Cultural enrichment is a benefit of travel.”

Origin: Old French enrichir, from en- `in` + riche `rich`, from Germanic rik `powerful, wealthy`

the act of rising to an important position or a higher level

“His rapid ascension to the board surprised everyone.”

Origin: Latin ascensio `a climbing up`, from ascendere `to climb`, from ad- `to` + scandere `to climb`

to begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish

“The burgeoning market attracted many investors.”

Origin: Old French burjon `bud, shoot`, from Late Latin burra `wool, fluff`

a revival of or renewed interest in something

“Vinyl records are enjoying a renaissance.”

Origin: French renaissance `rebirth`, from renaitre `to be born again`, from Latin re- `again` + nasci `to be born`

the state of having knowledge or understanding

“He sought spiritual enlightenment through meditation.”

Origin: English en- `make, put in` + light + -en + -ment, from Old English leoht `brightness`

the action or process of maturing

“The maturation of the wine improved its flavor.”

Origin: Latin maturatio `ripening`, from maturare `to ripen`, from maturus `ripe, timely`

an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale

“She learned the language in small increments.”

Origin: Latin incrementum `growth, increase`, from increscere `to grow`, from in- `in` + crescere `to grow`

to be or go beyond the range or limits of

“Great art can transcend cultural barriers.”

Origin: Latin transcendere `to climb over, surmount`, from trans- `across, beyond` + scandere `to climb`