Flourishing vs. Thriving — What's the Difference?

Holistic Success.

Success in Specific Aspects.

Broad Achievement.

Vigorous Growth.

Personal Development.

Overcoming Adversity.

Community Well-being.

Economic Success.

Fulfillment and Happiness.

Health and Prosperity.

Flourishing is "when people experience positive emotions, positive psychological functioning and positive social functioning, most of the time," living "within an optimal range of human functioning." It is a descriptor and measure of positive mental health and overall life well-being, and includes multiple components and concepts, such as cultivating strengths, subjective well-being, "goodness, generativity, growth, and resilience." Flourishing is the opposite of both pathology and languishing, which are described as living a life that feels hollow and empty. It is a central concept in positive psychology, developed by Corey Keyes and Barbara Fredrickson.

Thriving is a condition beyond mere survival, implying growth and positive development.

To grow well or luxuriantly; thrive

To grow vigorously; flourish

To do or fare well; prosper

To be successful or make steady progress; prosper

To be in a period of highest productivity, excellence, or influence

That thrives; successful; flourishing or prospering.

To make bold, sweeping movements

The action of the verb to thrive.

To wield, wave, or exhibit dramatically.

Present participle of thrive

A dramatic or stylish movement, as of waving or brandishing

Very lively and profitable;

An embellishment or ornamentation

Having or showing vigorous vegetal or animal life;

An ostentatious act or gesture

(Music) A showy or ceremonious passage, such as a fanfare.

Growing, thriving, doing well

Present participle of flourish

The action of the verb flourish; flowering.

Having or showing vigorous vegetal or animal life;

Very lively and profitable;

Thriving is about growing vigorously or prospering, especially in terms of health, wealth, and overcoming challenges.

Flourishing emphasizes holistic success including emotional and psychological well-being, whereas thriving focuses on vigorous growth or economic success.

While often associated with health, thriving can also apply to overcoming adversity or achieving success in various aspects, including economic growth.

Flourishing refers to a state of achieving a high degree of success, fulfillment, and well-being across various aspects of life.

Working towards flourishing involves focusing on personal development, finding fulfillment in activities, and building strong social connections.

A thriving ecosystem is characterized by biodiversity, healthy populations of species, and sustainable interactions between organisms.

No, both terms can apply to individuals, communities, businesses, and even ecosystems.

Yes, an individual or community can both flourish and thrive, achieving well-being and vigorous growth simultaneously.

Yes, a business can be described as flourishing if it's not only financially successful but also contributes positively to the well-being of its community and employees.

Yes, a society might thrive economically or in terms of health but lack overall fulfillment or happiness, not fully flourishing.

Flourishing and thriving can be measured through various indicators, including subjective well-being, health metrics, economic indicators, and social cohesion.

Overcoming adversity is often a key component of thriving, demonstrating resilience and the capacity for growth under challenging circumstances.

Cultural values and practices can shape what flourishing means, influencing how individuals and communities prioritize aspects of well-being and success.

Technological advancement can contribute to flourishing by improving quality of life, enhancing connectivity, and facilitating personal growth.

Environmental sustainability is crucial for long-term thriving, ensuring that natural resources are preserved and ecosystems remain healthy for future growth.