Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cultivate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌱
Add to dictionary

cultivate

[ˈkʌltɪveɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

farming

Prepare and work on (land) in order to raise crops.

Synonyms

plough, till, work.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cultivate

Typically used in the context of preparing land for crops, as well as developing skills, relationships, or behaviors.

  • The farmers cultivate the land to grow vegetables
  • She cultivated a strong relationship with her mentor
till

Refers specifically to preparing land for planting by turning over the soil. This term might be more technical and less commonly used in everyday language.

  • Before planting the seeds, they need to till the soil
  • The gardener tilled the earth to ensure it was ready for the new plants
plough

Commonly refers to the act of turning over soil to prepare it for planting or seeding. Can also be used metaphorically to mean moving forward with determination.

  • The farmer used a tractor to plough the field
  • He decided to plough through the difficult project despite the challenges
work

A broad term that can refer to any physical or mental activity done to achieve a goal. In farming, it could mean any task related to maintaining the land.

  • They worked hard all day in the fields
  • You need to work the soil before planting anything

Examples of usage

  • Farmers are able to cultivate the land to grow different types of crops.
  • She cultivated the fields with care and dedication.
Context #2 | Verb

develop

Try to acquire or develop (a quality or skill).

Synonyms

develop, encourage, nurture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cultivate

This word is often used in the context of growing crops or plants, but it can also apply to developing skills, relationships, or habits through careful attention and labor.

  • Farmers cultivate their fields in the spring
  • She has cultivated a love of reading in her children
develop

This word is used when talking about creating or growing something over time, such as skills, ideas, products, or land. It emphasizes the process of progress or improvement.

  • He is trying to develop his public speaking skills
  • The city plans to develop the waterfront area
nurture

Nurture is used when discussing the act of caring for and protecting someone or something while they grow and develop. This often involves providing emotional and developmental support.

  • Good parents nurture their children's talents
  • He feels the need to nurture his friendships closely
encourage

This word is used when you want to give support, confidence, or hope to someone, often aiming to prompt them to do something or continue doing something.

  • Teachers should encourage students to ask questions
  • She always encouraged her brother to pursue his dreams

Examples of usage

  • She has been working hard to cultivate a sense of compassion.
  • He cultivated his love for music from a young age.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Cultivating land is crucial for farming, as it prepares the soil for planting crops.
  • Crop rotation is a common cultivation method, where different crops are grown in succession to maintain soil health.

Psychology

  • Cultivating positive habits can significantly impact mental health and well-being.
  • Mindfulness practices are often cultivated through regular meditation, which helps improve focus and reduce stress.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, cultivating relationships is seen as key to community building and social structure.
  • The concept of cultivating wisdom has been a valued pursuit in various philosophies, emphasizing lifelong learning.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often undergo a process of cultivation, like developing their personalities or relationships.
  • Metaphors of cultivation frequently appear, equating the growth of plants with personal growth or moral development.

Origin of 'cultivate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'cultivare', meaning 'to till' or 'to prepare the land'.
  • It originally referred to working the soil to grow plants, but over time it expanded to other areas of growth, like skills and relationships.

The word 'cultivate' originated from the Latin word 'cultivare', which means to till or cultivate. The term has been used since the 17th century to refer to the process of preparing and working on land to raise crops. Over time, 'cultivate' has expanded to include the development of skills, qualities, or relationships. It emphasizes the idea of nurturing and fostering growth, whether in agriculture or personal development.

See also: cult, culture, cultured, enculturation, occult.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,199 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.