Fostering
'fɒstərɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo promote the growth or development of something.
'fɒstər
To encourage the development of something.
The program fosters a sense of community among participants.
💡 Simply: Fostering is like helping something grow stronger, like watering a plant. It means you're helping it to develop and be successful. Like a teacher fostering a love of reading in their students!
👶 For kids: Helping something grow, like helping a baby plant grow into a big, strong tree.
More Examples
She always fostered a love of reading in her children.
The new policies are designed to foster economic growth.
We want to foster a culture of open communication within the team.
How It's Used
"The company is fostering innovation through its new research initiatives."
"Educators aim to foster critical thinking skills in students."
"The school fosters a sense of community among its students."
To take care of a child, typically for a specified period, as a temporary guardian but not as a parent.
'fɒstər
To care for a child who is not your own.
The couple decided to foster a child until the mother was able to care for them.
💡 Simply: When you foster a child, you're like a temporary parent. You take care of them, give them a home, and make sure they're safe and loved when their own parents can't right now.
👶 For kids: Taking care of a child who needs a place to stay for a little while.
More Examples
Many families choose to foster children.
She dedicated her life to fostering children with special needs.
The organization provides training for those who want to foster.
How It's Used
"The social worker arranged for the child to be fostered by a loving family."
"They decided to foster a child in need of a temporary home."
From Middle English *fostren*, from Old English *fōstrian* ('to nourish, support, bring up'), from *fōstor* ('nourishment, food, support'), from Proto-Germanic *fōstrą*.
The word has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the nurturing or caring for of a person or thing, often a child.
Memory tip
Think of a parent fostering a child – they help the child grow and develop.
Word Origin
"to nourish, support, bring up"