Cultivating
ˈkʌltɪveɪtɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo prepare land for the growing of crops; to improve and refine (something).
ˈkʌltɪveɪt
To prepare and use land for growing crops.
They are cultivating the fields for rice.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're growing a plant. Cultivating means taking care of it, like watering it and giving it sunshine so it grows big and strong! It's similar to nurturing a skill or a relationship.
👶 For kids: Making the soil ready for planting, like getting the garden ready to grow flowers!
More Examples
She's been cultivating her interest in painting.
The company is cultivating relationships with its clients.
How It's Used
"Farmers are cultivating the land to plant wheat."
To develop or improve (a skill, quality, etc.); to try to acquire or develop (a relationship, feeling, etc.).
ˈkʌltɪveɪt
To develop or improve a skill, quality, or relationship.
She's been cultivating her garden with great care.
💡 Simply: Cultivating can be like practicing a sport every day to get better or being friendly to someone to build a friendship. It means working hard to make something better.
👶 For kids: Making something better and growing it. Like if you practice drawing every day.
More Examples
He spent years cultivating his knowledge of history.
They are cultivating a good working relationship.
How It's Used
"She cultivated a network of contacts to help her career."
"He is diligently cultivating his musical talent."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *cultivare* meaning "to till, to cultivate," from *cultus*, past participle of *colere* "to till, cultivate, care for." The word has evolved to encompass more than just agricultural practices.
Historically used to describe agricultural practices, but broadened over time to encompass the development of skills, relationships, and qualities.
Memory tip
Think of a farmer carefully tending to his crops - cultivating the land involves preparing it, much like cultivating a skill involves practicing and improving it.
Word Origin
"to till, cultivate, care for"