Cultural
/ˈkʌltʃərəl/
Definitions
Relating to culture or the arts, to the characteristics of a particular group of people, defined by language, religion, traditions, and shared behaviors.
/ˈkʌltʃərəl/
Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society.
The museum showcased a fascinating exhibition on the cultural history of ancient Egypt.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend's family always eats with chopsticks, while yours uses forks. That difference is a 'cultural' thing! It's about the ways people in a group do things.
👶 For kids: About the way people live and what they do, like their special songs, stories, and foods.
More Examples
Learning about different cultures can broaden your perspective on the world.
Cultural exchange programs help promote understanding between different countries.
The festival was a celebration of the city's diverse cultural heritage.
How It's Used
"Cultural anthropologists study the diverse traditions of different societies."
"The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene with many museums and galleries."
Idioms & expressions
Cultural appropriation
The adoption of elements of a minority culture by members of the dominant culture.
"Many people have expressed concern over cultural appropriation of Native American headdresses at music festivals."
Cultural heritage
The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.
"UNESCO works to protect cultural heritage sites around the world."
Culture shock
The feeling of disorientation experienced by someone when they are suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.
"After moving to Japan, she experienced significant culture shock due to the different customs."
From Latin *cultura* ("cultivation, agriculture") influenced by French *culture*, referring to the learned behaviors, beliefs, and ways of life of a group of people.
Used since the 19th century to describe matters of the mind and spirit, rather than material aspects.
Memory tip
Think of a 'culture' like a garden where ideas and customs grow. 'Cultural' is the word to describe what belongs to that garden.