épanouir

Senses

1. 1.

   to bloom, to blossom, to flower

   to open and display flowers; to flourish (of plants)

2. 2.

   to blossom, to come into one's own, to flourish

   to develop, grow, or thrive (figuratively, of people or abilities)

3. 3.

   to light up, to beam

   to display happiness or satisfaction visibly (of face or expression)

Examples

• "Les roses s'épanouissent au printemps."

  The roses bloom in spring.

• "Cet enfant s'épanouit depuis qu'il joue de la musique."

  This child has blossomed since he started playing music.

• "Son visage s'épanouissait de joie quand il a reçu la nouvelle."

  His face lit up with joy when he received the news.

Usage

Épanouir is typically used reflexively (s'épanouir) in modern French. It conveys both literal blooming of flowers and figurative flourishing or personal development. The noun form épanouissement (blooming, flourishing, fulfillment) is also common and carries positive connotations of growth and happiness.