Cultural Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cultural

[ˈkʌltʃərəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

society

Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society. Cultural practices can vary greatly between different regions and ethnic groups.

Synonyms

ethnic, social, traditional.

Examples of usage

  • The cultural differences between Eastern and Western countries can be quite significant.
  • It's important to respect and appreciate cultural diversity.
Context #2 | Adjective

arts

Relating to the arts and intellectual achievements of a society. Cultural events such as music concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances are important for promoting creativity and expression.

Synonyms

artistic, creative, intellectual.

Examples of usage

  • The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.
  • She studied cultural history in college to learn more about artistic movements.
Context #3 | Adjective

education

Relating to the knowledge, beliefs, and values shared by a group of people. Cultural education aims to foster understanding and appreciation of different cultural perspectives.

Synonyms

educational, enriching, informative.

Examples of usage

  • The school offers courses in cultural studies to explore global traditions.
  • Learning a new language can provide insights into different cultural norms.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Social Sciences

  • Cultural anthropology studies cultural variation among humans, focusing on how cultural differences influence behavior.
  • The concept of 'cultural relativism' suggests that a person's beliefs and activities should be understood based on their culture, not judged by the standards of another.
  • Cultural integration occurs when different groups come together to mix their unique beliefs and practices.

Global Perspectives

  • Globalization has sparked a significant mixing of cultures leading to unique fusions in food, music, and art.
  • Cultural festivals, such as Carnival in Brazil and Diwali in India, celebrate unique heritage and traditions, drawing attention worldwide.
  • Language is a vital part of cultural identity, with over 7000 languages spoken worldwide, shaping how communities express themselves.

Education

  • Culturally responsive teaching helps teachers connect with students from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the learning experience.
  • Education systems often reflect the culture of the society they operate in, shaping the curriculum and teaching styles.
  • Incorporating cultural studies in education promotes awareness and understanding among students from different backgrounds.

Art and Literature

  • Cultural expressions in art often reflect social issues, history, and the values of a society.
  • Literature provides insight into cultural norms and perspectives, revealing how stories bridge understanding across cultures.
  • Art movements like Surrealism and Cubism challenged traditional cultures and perspectives, broadening the definition of art.

Origin of 'cultural'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cultural' comes from the Latin word 'cultura', meaning 'care' or 'cultivation'.
  • In the 19th century, 'culture' also started to refer to intellectual and artistic achievements.
  • The term began to gain popularity in the context of society’s behavior and customs in the late 1800s.

The word 'cultural' originated from the Latin word 'cultura', which means cultivation or tending. It first appeared in the English language in the 19th century, primarily used in the context of agriculture and tending to crops. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the broader concept of societal customs, beliefs, and intellectual achievements. Today, 'cultural' is widely used to describe aspects related to art, society, education, and heritage.


See also: Acculturate, acculturation, agriculture, culturalization, culturedly, culturing, multicultural, multiculturalism.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,181, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.