Fostering: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you are actively promoting growth or development in an environment, often related to specific initiatives or programs.

• The organization is fostering a culture of inclusivity.
• Their main goal is fostering innovation within the team.

Used when caring for someone or something in a way that helps growth, often in a protective or loving manner.

• She is known for nurturing young talent in the company.
• Children need a nurturing environment to thrive.

Often used in the context of developing skills, relationships, or qualities through consistent effort and care over time.

• She has been cultivating her artistic skills for years.
• They are cultivating strong customer relationships.

Best used when providing support or motivation to do something, often through positive reinforcement.

• The teacher is encouraging students to participate in the science fair.
• Parents should be encouraging their children to read more.

Appropriate for when someone is taking care of a child or an animal until they can find a permanent home. Often used in social services and animal rescue contexts.

• The organization is fostering several abandoned pets until they find new families.
• She has been fostering children for over ten years.

Used when providing a safe place, usually protection from danger or bad weather. Can refer to both humans and animals.

• The family is sheltering from the storm in their basement.
• The nonprofit is sheltering homeless individuals during the winter months.

Describes the act of looking after someone or something for a short period of time. Less formal and specific than fostering or sheltering.

• They are temporarily caring for their neighbor's dog while she is on vacation.
• The daycare is temporarily caring for the children while their parents are at work.