"Thrive on"

Question

I'm struggling to understand what "thrive on" means. Longman Dictionary defines it as "to enjoy or be successful in a particular situation, especially one that other people find difficult or unpleasant:" The example given is "I wouldn't want that much pressure, but she seems to thrive on it." Does the sentence mean she enjoys the pressure, or does it mean she is successful in the stressful situation?

Thank you.

JohnParis · Accepted Answer

The verb "to thrive" means:

1. To make steady progress; prosper.

2. To grow vigorously; flourish:

"I wouldn't want that much pressure, but she seems to thrive on it" means that she seems to prosper in situations where there is extreme pressure.

Anonymous · Answer

Thanl you. So is the definition I found incorrect?

Mister Micawber · Answer

So is the definition I found incorrect?-- No, it just uses different wording.

Anonymous · Answer

Ok, thank you.

Can somebody please give me an example of when "thrive on" means to enjoy a situation?

I'm confused. I originally thought the example in the dictionary meant that the person enjoyed the situation.

Thank you.

Mister Micawber · Answer

I thrive on female attention.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you. What about "I thrive on danger"? Does that mean I am successful in dangerous situations?

Mister Micawber · Answer

It usually means just 'I love danger!'

JohnParis · Answer

You are fixating on the concept of "successful" from your Longman's definition.
To thrive does not guarantee success in an endeavor. Here, it simply means that you really like danger or being in dangerous situations.

Skype My English · Answer

You live for danger. You are drawn to danger. You 'eat, drink, sleep' danger. Thanks

"Thrive on"

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