development
development — noun
1. the gradual process by which a person, thing, or situation becomes bigger, bette
the gradual process by which a person, thing, or situation becomes bigger, better, or more advanced over a period of time
The development of the internet has changed how people across the world communicate.
the development of [something]
Sumin's development as a pianist was slow but steady during her teenage years.
[possessive] development as [a role]
Regular physical activity is important for a young child's brain development.
The company invested heavily in the professional development of its employees.
Solar power has seen rapid development in the past ten years across Asia.
- growth
focuses on getting bigger in size or amount; less about becoming more advanced
- progress
emphasises moving forward toward a goal
- advancement
more formal; stresses upward movement or promotion
- evolution
suggests a slow, natural process of change over a long period
- decline
movement toward a worse state
- regression
return to an earlier, less advanced state
文法句型
the development of [something]
[possessive] development
[adjective] development
用法筆記
This is the broadest and most common sense. When used without context, 'development' usually refers to this meaning of growth or advancement. It can be uncountable ('economic development') or countable ('a promising development in the talks').
常見錯誤
2. a fresh incident or piece of news that adds to an unfolding sequence of connecte
a fresh incident or piece of news that adds to an unfolding sequence of connected happenings and could shape how things turn out
The police are closely watching for any new developments in the missing-person case.
new / latest / recent developments in [a situation]
Arjun called an emergency meeting to discuss the latest developments in the trade talks.
There has been a worrying development in the conflict between the two nations.
This is a positive development for patients who need affordable heart medication.
Journalists gathered outside the courthouse waiting for further developments.
- event
broader; any happening, not necessarily part of a continuing series
- news
focuses on information that is reported or shared
- update
emphasises the latest information about a situation; more informal
- turn of events
suggests a surprising or important change in a situation
文法句型
[adjective] development(s)
there has been a development
latest / new / recent developments
用法筆記
This sense typically appears with a descriptive adjective ('new', 'latest', 'recent', 'significant', 'worrying') and is common in news reports, business updates, and formal discussions. The plural form 'developments' is used more often than the singular.
常見錯誤
3. the work or process of creating or designing a new product, system, technology,
the work or process of creating or designing a new product, system, technology, or idea from an early stage to completion
Heather's team is working on the development of a new electric car battery.
the development of a new [product / technology]
Recent developments in artificial intelligence have changed many industries.
developments in [field]
The pharmaceutical company spends millions on research and development each year.
Caleb oversees software development for a large online banking platform.
The development of the vaccine took less than a year thanks to global teamwork.
- creation
emphasises bringing something into existence for the first time
- invention
specifically about creating something that did not exist before
- design
focuses on the planning and shaping stage rather than the whole process
- production
focuses on the manufacturing stage after development is complete
文法句型
the development of [a product/system/idea]
[field] development
research and development
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with sense 1 (GROWTH & CHANGE) but is narrower — it focuses specifically on the deliberate creation of new things, not natural or general improvement. Common in business and technology contexts. Often used in compounds such as 'research and development', 'product development', and 'software development'.
常見錯誤
4. a site where newly built homes, shops, or offices stand, typically created as a
a site where newly built homes, shops, or offices stand, typically created as a single planned venture to earn income
A new housing development is being built on the empty land near the river.
housing / residential / commercial development
Ziad bought an apartment in a waterfront development with beautiful ocean views.
The old factory site was turned into a large commercial development with shops and restaurants.
Local residents are protesting against the new development that would destroy the park.
The city council approved a mixed-use development with apartments above stores.
文法句型
[adjective] development
new / housing / commercial development
用法筆記
This sense is specific to land use and construction. It is typically preceded by an adjective describing the type: 'housing development', 'commercial development', 'residential development'. Common in real estate advertising, local news, and town planning discussions.