Cultured
/ˈkʌltʃərd/
Definitions
2 meaningsRefined and knowledgeable, often with an appreciation for the arts and humanities.
/ˈkʌltʃərd/
Having or showing good manners, education, and taste.
He had a cultured upbringing, attending private schools and traveling extensively.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who knows a lot about art, music, and history, and also has good manners and is polite. They're cultured!
👶 For kids: Someone who knows a lot about art, music, and books, and who is polite and has good manners.
More Examples
The ambassador was known for his cultured demeanor and extensive knowledge of world affairs.
She preferred cultured conversation to idle gossip.
How It's Used
"She is a cultured woman who enjoys opera and fine dining."
"The museum showcased cultured artwork from different eras."
Produced or grown in a laboratory environment, typically referring to microorganisms or cells.
/ˈkʌltʃərd/
Relating to the growth of microorganisms or tissues in a controlled environment.
A cultured sample of the patient's blood revealed the presence of the virus.
💡 Simply: Imagine growing tiny living things, like bacteria or cells, in a special container in a lab. That's cultured!
👶 For kids: Made in a lab, like when scientists grow tiny living things.
More Examples
The scientist used cultured cells to test the effect of a new drug.
The yogurt contained cultured probiotics beneficial for gut health.
How It's Used
"The lab performed a bacterial culture to identify the infection."
"A sample of cells was cultured in a petri dish to study their growth."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *cultus* (cultivated, tilled), the past participle of *colere* (to cultivate). It entered English through the association of agriculture with refinement and intellect.
Historically, 'cultured' emphasized the refinement of the mind through education and exposure to the arts and humanities. Its use in scientific contexts became prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with advancements in biology.
Memory tip
Think of someone who has 'cultivated' their mind and manners.
Word Origin
"to cultivate, till, inhabit, frequent, cherish"