Development vs. Developments — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
Development refers to the process of growth or improvement, while developments are specific instances or outcomes of this process.
Difference Between Development and Developments
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Development is a comprehensive term that encapsulates the process of growth, progress, or evolution in a broad range of contexts, from individual skills to entire nations. It implies a continuous, dynamic process aimed at achieving improvement or advancement. Developments, on the other hand, are the specific events, outcomes, or changes that arise as a result of this process. They can be seen as the tangible or significant results that stem from the ongoing activity of development.
While development often has a singular, overarching focus, such as in economic development or personal development, indicating a general direction or goal, developments are plural and point to the concrete achievements, incidents, or updates that occur along the way. For example, in the context of a project, development refers to the overall progression, whereas developments might refer to recent updates or breakthroughs.
In the realm of news and reporting, "developments" typically refers to the latest events or updates on a particular issue or story, highlighting new or evolving aspects that are of public interest. Development, in contrast, might be used to discuss the broader context or background, such as the development of a news story or issue over time.
The concept of development is integral to fields like urban planning, where it signifies the planning and execution processes aimed at improving a community or region. Developments within this context could refer to specific new buildings, infrastructure projects, or policy changes implemented as part of the broader development strategy.
Both terms also play a significant role in technology, where development encapsulates the entire process of researching, designing, and refining new technologies or software. Developments, conversely, could refer to the latest versions, features, or breakthroughs achieved within the scope of technology development.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The process of growing, improving, or evolving.
Specific instances, outcomes, or events resulting from development.
Scope
Broad and continuous process.
Specific and discrete outcomes or updates.
Usage Context
Refers to general progress or evolution in a field.
Often used to discuss recent updates, changes, or breakthroughs.
Plurality
Singular, indicating a unified process or goal.
Plural, indicating multiple instances or results.
Examples
Economic development, software development.
New housing developments, latest developments in a news story.
Compare with Definitions
Development
The process of developing or being developed.
The development of digital technologies has transformed society.
Developments
Updates or breakthroughs in a particular field.
Recent developments in renewable energy technology are encouraging.
Development
The systematic use of scientific knowledge to meet specific objectives.
The development of a new vaccine was a major breakthrough.
Developments
Results achieved through the process of developing.
The software's recent developments include enhanced security features.
Development
A state of growth or advancement.
The child's development is on track for his age.
Developments
New items or events that represent progress or growth.
The latest developments in the peace talks have been promising.
Development
The process involved in planning, constructing, and growing a project.
The new urban development aims to include affordable housing.
Developments
The outcome of research or innovation efforts.
The lab announced developments in cancer treatment research.
Development
An event constituting a new stage in a changing situation.
The CEO's resignation was an unexpected development.
Developments
The construction of new buildings or infrastructure.
Several new housing developments are underway in the city.
Development
The process of starting to be affected by an ailment or feeling
The development of brittle bones
Developments
The application of techniques or technology to the production of new goods or services.
Development
The process of developing or being developed
The paintings provide evidence of his artistic development
She traces the development of the novel
Developments
The business of constructing buildings or otherwise altering land for new uses.
Development
An event constituting a new stage in a changing situation
I don't think there have been any new developments since yesterday
Developments
A significant event, occurrence, or change
A news story covering the latest developments in the scandal.
Development
The process of converting land to a new purpose by constructing buildings or making use of its resources
Land suitable for development
Developments
A group of dwellings built by the same contractor
Bought a condo in a new development built by the river.
Development
The process of treating photographic film with chemicals to make a visible image
Agitation is carried out while a film is processed to ensure even development
Developments
The organized activity of soliciting donations or grants; fundraising.
Development
The process of bringing one's pieces into play in the opening phase of a game
I sought to take advantage of Black's defective development
Developments
Elaboration of a theme with rhythmic and harmonic variations.
Development
The application of techniques or technology to the production of new goods or services.
Developments
The central section of a movement in sonata form, in which the theme is elaborated and explored.
Development
The business of constructing buildings or otherwise altering land for new uses.
Developments
Plural of development
Development
A significant event, occurrence, or change
A news story covering the latest developments in the scandal.
Developments
A group of building complexes or apartments. Often used for low income housing.
Development
A group of dwellings built by the same contractor
Bought a condo in a new development built by the river.
Development
The organized activity of soliciting donations or grants; fundraising.
Development
Elaboration of a theme with rhythmic and harmonic variations.
Development
The central section of a movement in sonata form, in which the theme is elaborated and explored.
Development
(uncountable) The process of developing; growth, directed change.
The development of this story has been slow.
Development
The process by which a mature multicellular organism or part of an organism is produced by the addition of new cells.
The organism has reached a crucial stage in its development.
Development
(countable) Something which has developed.
Our news team brings you the latest developments.
Development
A project consisting of one or more commercial or residential buildings.
Development
The building of such a project.
Development
(uncountable) The application of new ideas to practical problems (cf. research).
Our development department has produced three new adhesives this year.
Development
The active placement of the pieces, or the process of achieving it.
White's development is good, but black's has been hampered by the pawn on e5.
Development
(music) The process by in which previous material is transformed and restated.
Development
(music) The second section of a piece of music in sonata form, in which the original theme is revisited in altered and varying form.
Development
(math) The expression of a function in the form of a series.
Development
The act of developing or disclosing that which is unknown; a gradual unfolding process by which anything is developed, as a plan or method, or an image upon a photographic plate; gradual advancement or growth through a series of progressive changes; also, the result of developing, or a developed state.
A new development of imagination, taste, and poetry.
Development
The series of changes which animal and vegetable organisms undergo in their passage from the embryonic state to maturity, from a lower to a higher state of organization.
Development
The act or process of changing or expanding an expression into another of equivalent value or meaning.
Development
The elaboration of a theme or subject; the unfolding of a musical idea; the evolution of a whole piece or movement from a leading theme or motive.
Development
A tract of land on which a number of buildings have been constructed; - especially used for tract on which from two to hundreds of houses have been constructed by a commercial developer{4} for sale to individuals.
Development
Act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining;
He congratulated them on their development of a plan to meet the emergency
They funded research and development
Development
A process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage);
The development of his ideas took many years
The evolution of Greek civilization
The slow development of her skill as a writer
Development
A recent event that has some relevance for the present situation;
Recent developments in Iraq
What a revolting development!
Development
The act of making some area of land or water more profitable or productive or useful;
The development of Alaskan resources
The exploitation of copper deposits
Development
A district that has been developed to serve some purpose;
Such land is practical for small park developments
Development
A state in which things are improving; the result of developing (as in the early part of a game of chess);
After he saw the latest development he changed his mind and became a supporter
In chess your should take care of your development before moving your queen
Development
(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level;
He proposed an indicator of osseous development in children
Development
Processing a photosensitive material in order to make an image visible;
The development and printing of his pictures took only two hours
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between development and developments?
Development refers to the overarching process of growth or improvement, while developments are specific outcomes or events resulting from this process.
How are developments in a story different from plot twists?
Developments are events that push the story forward, while plot twists are unexpected changes in the direction or expected outcome of the story.
Can development be measured?
Yes, development can be measured using various indicators, depending on the context, such as economic growth, educational attainment, or technological progress.
Can a single project have multiple developments?
Yes, a project can have multiple developments, representing various stages of progress or different aspects of improvement.
How are developments reported in the news?
Developments are reported as the latest events, updates, or changes in an ongoing story or issue.
Is development always positive?
While development generally aims for improvement, its outcomes can be positive, negative, or neutral, depending on perspective and context.
How does development impact urban planning?
Development guides urban planning by determining goals for growth and improvement, which are realized through specific developments like new buildings or infrastructure projects.
What role do developments play in technology?
Developments in technology represent advancements, updates, or innovations that contribute to the field's overall development.
Can developments occur without development?
Developments are inherently linked to development; they are the manifestations of the development process.
What are the challenges of development in the global context?
Challenges include addressing inequality, sustainability, and the integration of diverse goals for health, education, and economic growth.
What impact do developments in science have on society?
Developments in science can lead to improvements in health, technology, and knowledge, influencing societal progress and quality of life.
How can one stay informed about the latest developments in a field?
Staying informed can involve following reputable news sources, industry publications, and professional networks related to the field.
What constitutes a significant development in a news story?
Significant developments are events or updates that substantially alter the understanding, impact, or outcome of a news story.
How do developments in software differ from updates?
Developments in software may include new features or capabilities, while updates often focus on fixes and minor improvements.
How do developments contribute to a company's growth?
Developments, such as product innovations or market expansions, drive a company's growth by enhancing its offerings and competitive edge.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
