Is develop a prototype formal or informal?

It is fairly formal and common in business, engineering, and academic contexts.

What is the difference between develop a prototype and build a model?

Develop a prototype means making a test version for improvement. Build a model can be simpler and less specific.

Can I use this phrase in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Yes. It sounds natural in academic and technology topics.

← Dictionary

to-develop-a-prototype

/tə dɪˈvel.əp ə ˈprəʊ.tə.taɪp/

IELTSAcademic

verb

to make an early model or sample of a product, machine, or idea so it can be tested and improved before the final version.

We need to develop a prototype before launch.
The team developed a prototype in two weeks.
They are developing a prototype for the new app.

Adinary Nuance

Develop a prototype is more specific than build or make. Use it when you mean creating an early test version, not the final product. It is common in business, engineering, and academic writing. If you only mean a basic model, build a model may sound simpler.

In other languages

Vietnamese: phát triển mẫu thử
Spanish: desarrollar un prototipo
Chinese: 开发原型
Japanese: 試作品を開発する
Korean: 시제품을 개발하다

Etymology

This phrase uses develop, from Old French développer, meaning to unfold or make more complete. Prototype comes from Greek prototypos, meaning first model or first form.

Common phrases

develop a prototypeprototype designprototype testinga working prototype

Synonyms

build create make design

Frequently asked questions

Is develop a prototype formal or informal?: It is fairly formal and common in business, engineering, and academic contexts.
What is the difference between develop a prototype and build a model?: Develop a prototype means making a test version for improvement. Build a model can be simpler and less specific.
Can I use this phrase in IELTS Writing Task 2?: Yes. It sounds natural in academic and technology topics.