"Blossoming" in a literal sense is when a flower bud opens up, while when used figuratively, it means reaching an optimal or matured state.
Literally versus figuratively
When used literally, the blossoming of flowers typically happens in the spring, describing the stage of growth when flowers produce blossoms, often characterized by vibrant colors and a pleasant fragrance. Take the following example sentence.
- In spring, the cherry trees in the park began blossoming with beautiful pink and white flowers.
Figuratively, "blossoming" is used to describe personal or abstract growth, development, or maturation, similar to the way flowers bloom and reach their full potential. It signifies a positive transformation or improvement in one's life, skills, or abilities.
- After years of hard work and dedication, Sarah's career was blossoming, and she was promoted to a leadership position.
In the figurative sense, "blossoming" suggests that something or someone is reaching their full potential, flourishing, or experiencing a positive transformation, much like a flower opening up and thriving during its bloom.
"Blossoming" as a verb, noun, and adjective
The word "blossoming" can be used as either a verb, noun, or adjective.
As a verb, the root verb "blossom" becomes the present participle "blossoming" which shows that the verb is happening in the present moment.
- The garden was full of life, with colorful flowers blossoming in the morning sun.
In this sentence, "blossoming" is a present participle that describes the action of the flowers as they open and develop.
As a noun, or gerund, "blossoming" means the process of developing and reaching maturation as in the following example sentence.
- The blossoming of her career was the result of years of dedication and hard work.
In this sentence, "blossoming" is a gerund that functions as a noun. It represents the process of her career developing and flourishing.
As an adjective, "blossoming" describes a noun that is in the process of developing or reaching maturation.
- The young artist's blossoming talent impressed the art community.
In this sentence, "blossoming" is used as an adjective to describe the artist's talent, indicating that it is in the early stages of growth and development yet already making a positive impression on others.
How "blossoming" blossomed throughout the years
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest recorded use of the adjective "blossoming" was in 1430 during the Middle English period (1150-1500) in the writing of an English poet named John Lydgate.
The earliest evidence of "blossoming" used as a noun was around 1440 in Promptorium Parvulorum, an English-Latin dictionary written in the 15th century. This was around the time the word was first used as an adjective as well.
The earliest known use of the verb "blossom" and its other verb forms, including "blossoming" and "blossomed," dates back to the Old English period (pre-1150). This is before "blossoming" was used as either an adjective or noun, making the verb form the oldest use of the word.
Example sentences
As a noun (gerund):
- The garden was a riot of colors, with the blossoming of flowers in spring.
- She marveled at the beauty of the cherry blossom's blossoming.
- The season of blossoming was her favorite time of year.
As a verb (present participle):
- The roses in our backyard are blossoming beautifully this year.
- The young artist's talent is blossoming with each new painting.
- Her confidence is slowly but steadily blossoming as she gains experience.
As an adjective:
- The lush, blossoming meadow was a sight to behold.
- Their love story had a blossoming romance that captured everyone's hearts.
- The company is in a period of blossoming growth, expanding its market reach.
Practice questions
Can you tell if "blossoming" is being used as a verb, noun, or adjective? The answers are at the end of the page.
- The blossoming of the flowers in the garden was a sight to behold.
- Her talent is blossoming into expertise.
- The artist spent hours blossoming the delicate petals in his painting.
- We watched the rosebuds slowly blossoming into beautiful blooms.
- The blossoming of their friendship was evident in their shared interests.
- The blossoming garden was filled with vibrant colors and fragrances.
- She noticed the blossoming of his character as he became more confident.
- Their love story had all the elements of a classic blossoming romance.
- The blossoming of the music scene in the city was undeniable.
- The blossoming trees lined the path, creating a picturesque scene.
Answers to the practice questions
- Noun
- Verb
- Verb
- Verb
- Noun
- Adjective
- Noun
- Adjective
- Noun
- Adjective
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