burgeon
/ˈbɜː.dʒən/ IELTSAcademic
verb
If something burgeons, it grows or develops quickly, often in a healthy or strong way. It is common in writing about business, ideas, cities, or interest.
- The company burgeoned after the new launch.
- Her interest in painting burgeoned over time.
- The city burgeoned into a major tech hub.
Adinary Nuance
Burgeon is close to grow, increase, and expand, but it sounds more literary and polished. Writers use it when growth feels fast, lively, or impressive. It is less everyday than grow and less businesslike than expand.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phát triển mạnh
- Spanish
- prosperar
- Chinese
- 迅速发展
- Japanese
- 急成長する
- Korean
- 급성장하다
Etymology
Burgeon entered English from Old French burjon, meaning “bud” or “sprout,” in the late Middle Ages. It keeps the idea of something growing like a plant bud opening.
Common phrases
burgeon rapidlyburgeon intoburgeoning marketburgeoning industry
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is burgeon formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and often appears in written English.
- Can I use burgeon in daily conversation?
- You can, but it may sound a little literary in casual speech.
- What is the difference between burgeon and grow?
- Grow is general. Burgeon suggests quick, lively, or impressive growth.
- Is burgeoning a common adjective?
- Yes, especially in news, business, and academic writing.