Cultivated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cultivated

[ˈkʌltɪˌveɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in agriculture

Prepared and used for growing crops; tilled. Cultivated land. Cultivated fields.

Synonyms

arable, fertile, tilled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cultivated

This word is generally used to describe land that is prepared and used for growing crops or plants. It can also describe someone who is well-educated and refined.

  • The cultivated fields stretched as far as the eye could see.
  • He is a cultivated person, with a deep knowledge of art and literature.
tilled

This word is used to describe land that has been turned and prepared by plowing, usually in preparation for planting crops. It's often used in a more practical, farming context.

  • The farmer tilled the soil before planting the seeds.
  • The tilled fields were ready for the spring planting season.
fertile

This word describes soil or land that is rich in nutrients and supports abundant plant growth. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense to mean productive or inventive.

  • The fertile soil in this area allows farmers to grow high-quality vegetables.
  • Her fertile imagination led to many creative ideas.
arable

This term specifically refers to land that is suitable for growing crops. It’s usually used in an agricultural or technical context.

  • The region has a lot of arable land, which is perfect for farming.
  • Arable farming is essential for producing enough food for the population.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer had several acres of cultivated land.
  • She admired the beauty of the cultivated fields.
Context #2 | Adjective

in manners or taste

Characterized by refined taste or manners and good education. Cultivated speech. Cultivated tastes.

Synonyms

educated, refined, sophisticated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cultivated

Usually refers to someone who has been educated and has good manners and taste. Often used to describe a well-rounded and cultured individual.

  • He is a very cultivated man who enjoys classical music and fine dining.
  • Her cultivated manner impressed everyone at the conference.
refined

Indicates someone or something that has been made more elegant and polished, often through learning or experience. This is often used to describe manners, tastes, or processes.

  • His refined taste in art was evident in the pieces he collected.
  • She spoke with a refined accent that bespoke her cultural background.
educated

Describes someone who has received formal schooling. It is typically used when focusing on the amount or quality of one's academic knowledge.

  • She is very well educated, holding degrees from top universities.
  • Only the most educated members of society were aware of the scientific breakthroughs.
sophisticated

Refers to someone who is worldly-wise and experienced, often with an appreciation for complex, modern, and chic elements. This can describe people, technologies, or tastes.

  • James Bond is often portrayed as a sophisticated spy, knowledgeable in fine wines and haute couture.
  • The sophisticated design of the new smartphone impressed tech enthusiasts around the world.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke with a cultivated accent.
  • She had a cultivated appreciation for art.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Cultivated plants are often more productive, as they are selectively bred for certain traits like size and taste.
  • The method of cultivation includes techniques such as tilling the soil, planting seeds, and managing water supply.

Psychology

  • The term can also describe a person who is refined in manners or education, often viewed as sophisticated.
  • Cultivation of the mind is analogous to growing a garden; intellectual pursuits can lead to personal growth.

Sociology

  • Cultivation theory in media studies suggests that long-term exposure to media content can shape an individual's perceptions of reality.
  • In social contexts, 'cultivated' may refer to individuals who actively seek to educate themselves and engage with diverse cultures.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often undergo a 'cultivation' process, evolving from ignorance to knowledge.
  • The metaphor of cultivation is frequently used to express personal growth journeys in poetry and prose.

Origin of 'cultivated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'cultivatus,' which means 'to till, cultivate,' coming from 'cultus,' meaning 'care, cultivation.'
  • It was first used in English around the early 15th century, primarily associated with agriculture.

The word 'cultivated' originated from the Latin word 'cultivatus', which is the past participle of 'cultivare', meaning 'to till, cultivate'. The term was first used in the 17th century to describe land that was prepared and used for growing crops. Over time, the word evolved to also describe refined taste, manners, and education.


See also: cultivating, cultivator, uncultivated.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,155, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.