cultivate

verb C1 Formal

Meaning

To cultivate is to prepare and use land for crops or gardening, but it also encompasses the broader act of fostering growth, development, and refinement in various contexts, such as skills, relationships, or ideas, often through deliberate and sustained e

💡 While "cultivate" is often associated with agriculture, its metaphorical use in personal and professional development is prevalent; however, care should be taken not to conflate it with mere passive encouragement, as cultivation implies active involvement and nurturing.

Example Sentences

Farmers cultivate the land carefully to ensure a good harvest .

Researchers cultivate bacteria under controlled conditions to study their behavior .

The university aims to cultivate critical thinking skills in students .

We need to cultivate strong relationships with our key clients .

Word in Context

Every Sunday morning , Maria spends an hour in the community garden , checking the soil and pruning the herbs she planted last spring . She believes that to cultivate healthy vegetables you need not only good compost but also a patient , regular routine . Over time , her careful attention has helped shy neighbours take an interest , turning a quiet plot into a place where people exchange advice and recipes . When disagreements about watering schedules arise , she listens calmly and suggests small compromises that maintain both the plants' needs and people's goodwill . This steady , deliberate effort has taught her that gardening is as much about building relationships as it is about growing food .

Common Phrases

cultivate a skill cultivate relationships cultivate an environment

Synonyms

Related Words

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