Cultivating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cultivating

[ˈkʌltɪveɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

gardening

Preparing and working on land to raise crops; promoting and improving the growth of plants.

Synonyms

farming, plowing, sowing, tilling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cultivating	This word is used to describe the process of preparing and using land for crops or gardening. She spent the summer cultivating her vegetable garden. The farmer is cultivating his land to grow organic produce.
farming	This word refers to the general practice of growing crops and raising animals. It is used to describe the overall practice rather than a specific activity. John has been farming for over 20 years. Farming can be very rewarding but also requires a lot of hard work.
tilling	This word is used to describe the process of turning the soil to prepare it for planting. Tilling can include plowing and other soil preparation activities. The gardener is tilling the soil to ensure it is ready for planting. Tilling helps to aerate the soil and makes it easier for plants to grow.
plowing	This term is used when referring to turning over the upper layer of soil to prepare it for planting seeds. It is a specific agricultural activity. The field was ready for sowing after the farmer finished plowing. Plowing is an essential part of preparing the land for crops.
sowing	This term refers to the action of planting seeds into the soil. After plowing, the next step in the process is sowing the seeds. Sowing can be done by hand or with machinery.

Examples of usage

She spends hours cultivating her garden every weekend.
Farmers cultivate the fields before planting seeds.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

developing

Developing or improving by education or training; fostering the growth or development of.

Synonyms

developing, encouraging, fostering, nurturing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cultivating	Typically used in agricultural or gardening contexts, but can also refer to developing a skill or quality over time with careful attention. She is cultivating a love for classical music in her children The farmer spent years cultivating his land
developing	Used when something is in the process of growing or becoming better over time. It can apply to skills, relationships, ideas, or physical things. He is developing his programming skills The city is developing rapidly
nurturing	Implies providing care, support, and sustenance over a period of time, often in a way that ensures healthy growth or development. Typically used in contexts involving personal relationships, emotional support, or development. She is nurturing a sense of confidence in her students The garden thrived under her nurturing care
fostering	Used when you are promoting the growth or development of something, particularly relationships or conducive environments. This can also apply to temporarily caring for children or animals. The organization focuses on fostering creativity They are fostering a child until they find a permanent home
encouraging	Often used when you are supporting or motivating someone or something, typically with words or actions that provide confidence, support, or inspiration. The teacher is very encouraging towards her students Parents should be encouraging their children to pursue their dreams

Examples of usage

The organization focuses on cultivating young talents.
She believes in cultivating a positive work environment.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Agricultural Practices

Cultivating involves activities like plowing, weeding, and fertilizing to enhance soil health.
Different methods of cultivating can impact plant growth: conventional tillage, no-till, and organic practices each have unique benefits.

Psychology

In psychology, 'cultivating' refers to fostering positive habits and attitudes that lead to personal growth and well-being.
Research shows that cultivating an environment of support can improve both learning and mental health outcomes.

Pop Culture

In the world of social media, individuals often talk about 'cultivating' their online presence or personal brand over time.
Reality shows like 'MasterChef' often emphasize the importance of cultivating skills in cooking related to personal growth.

Art

Artists often speak of cultivating their craft, meaning they practice and perfect their skills over time.
The concept of cultivating one's artistic voice is emphasized in workshops and educational programs for aspiring artists.

Origin of 'cultivating'

Main points about word origin

The word 'cultivating' comes from the Latin word 'cultivatus', which means 'to till, to cultivate'.
Originally, the term referred to farming or preparing the land for crops long before it was used in other contexts.

The word 'cultivating' originates from the Latin word 'cultivare', which means 'to till or cultivate'. It has been used in English since the 17th century. The concept of cultivating land for agriculture has been fundamental to human civilization for centuries, enabling communities to grow and sustain themselves. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not just farming practices, but also the development of skills, relationships, and personal growth.

See also: cultivated, cultivator, uncultivated.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,314, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11311 schematic
11312 cyst
11313 antagonism
11314 cultivating
11315 unsettled
11316 clustering
11317 discriminating
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