Cultivate
/ˈkʌltɪveɪt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo prepare land for the growing of crops.
/ˈkʌltɪveɪt/
To prepare and use land for crops or gardening.
They cultivate the land every spring.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're preparing a garden. To cultivate means to get the soil ready so plants can grow – like tilling and adding nutrients. Think of it as making the land ready for something to flourish!
👶 For kids: To take care of plants and help them grow, like in a garden or a farm!
More Examples
The farmer cultivated a variety of crops.
The soil needs to be cultivated before planting.
How It's Used
"Farmers cultivate the land to grow crops."
To try to acquire or develop something (like a skill or quality) through care and attention.
/ˈkʌltɪveɪt/
To acquire or develop (a quality, sentiment, or skill).
She cultivated a love of reading.
💡 Simply: Like tending a garden, cultivating means to nurture something to help it grow. You might cultivate a skill, a friendship, or a good habit. Think of it like watering your favorite plant so it flourishes!
👶 For kids: To help something grow, like when you work hard to get better at something, or when you make new friends!
More Examples
They cultivated a strong business relationship.
He cultivated a good work ethic.
How It's Used
"She cultivated her patience through meditation."
"They cultivated a strong relationship with their neighbors."
To prepare land or grow plants, specifically in a garden.
/ˈkʌltɪveɪt/
To nurture (plants).
The gardener cultivated a wide array of plants.
💡 Simply: Like taking care of a garden. Cultivating means to help things grow and thrive.
👶 For kids: When you take good care of plants!
More Examples
He cultivates a beautiful garden.
She learned to cultivate bonsai trees.
How It's Used
"They cultivated the roses in their backyard."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
cultivate a taste for something
To develop an appreciation or enjoyment of something.
"She cultivated a taste for classical music after attending a concert."
From Latin *cultivātus*, past participle of *cultivāre* 'to till, cultivate', from *cultus*, past participle of *colere* 'to till, cultivate'.
The word 'cultivate' has been used since the 15th century, initially primarily related to agriculture, then expanded to encompass the development of skills and qualities.
Memory tip
Think of a farmer using a 'culti-vator' to prepare the soil.
Word Origin
"to till, to cultivate, to care for"