Cultivate: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "cultivate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cultivar

🇮🇳 कृषि करना

🇩🇪 kultivieren

🇮🇩 membudidayakan

🇺🇦 культивувати

🇵🇱 uprawiać

🇯🇵 栽培する (saibai suru)

🇫🇷 cultiver

🇪🇸 cultivar

🇹🇷 yetiştirmek

🇰🇷 재배하다 (jaebae hada)

🇸🇦 يزرع

🇨🇿 pěstovat

🇸🇰 pestovať

🇨🇳 耕种 (gēngzhòng)

🇸🇮 gojiti

🇮🇸 rækt

🇰🇿 өсіру

🇬🇪 მოყვანა (moqvana)

🇦🇿 böyütmək

🇲🇽 cultivar

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.

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8196 terrestrial
8197 rotary
8198 grandson
8199 cultivate
8200 departmental
8201 secretly
8202 leap
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