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1grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate: [no object]: motion pictures were to develop into mass entertainment (as adjective developing) this is a rapidly developing field [with object]: enabling individuals to develop their personal skills
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[no object] (often as adjective developing) (of a poor agricultural country) become more economically and socially advanced: the developing world
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[with object] convert (land) to a new purpose by constructing buildings or making other use of its resources: plans to develop the area
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construct or convert (a building) so as to improve existing resources: the company developed a chain of hotels
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[with object] elaborate (a musical theme) by modification of the melody, harmony, or rhythm: the piano develops the melody into a short cadenza
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2start to exist, experience, or possess: [no object]: a strange closeness developed [with object]: I developed an interest in law call the doctor if your child develops a rash
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3 [with object] treat (a photographic film) with chemicals to make a visible image: she came to get the film developed (as adjective developing) a developing tank
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4 [with object] Chess bring (a piece) into play from its initial position on a player’s back rank: he preferred to develop his bishop on e7
