Incubate: meaning, definitions and examples

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incubate

 

[ ˈɪŋkjʊˌbeɪt ]

Context #1

in biology

To provide the conditions necessary for growth, development, or successful outcomes, especially in a controlled environment such as an incubator.

Synonyms

breed, cultivate, hatch

Examples of usage

  • Incubate the bacterial cultures at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours.
  • The eggs need to be incubated for two weeks before they hatch.
Context #2

in business

To develop or maintain a project, idea, or company in its early stages, often with the intention of future growth.

Synonyms

develop, foster, nurture

Examples of usage

  • The startup incubated their product for a year before launching it to the public.
  • Our company offers a program to help entrepreneurs incubate their business ideas.
Context #3

in psychology

To maintain a thought, feeling, or belief in one's mind over a period of time, often leading to a change in behavior or attitude.

Synonyms

mull over, ponder, ruminate

Examples of usage

  • She continued to incubate the idea of traveling the world until she finally made it happen.
  • The therapist encouraged him to incubate positive thoughts to improve his mental well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "incubate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incubar

🇮🇳 अंडे सेना

🇩🇪 ausbrüten

🇮🇩 mengeram

🇺🇦 інкубувати

🇵🇱 inkubować

🇯🇵 孵化させる

🇫🇷 incuber

🇪🇸 incubar

🇹🇷 kuluçkaya yatmak

🇰🇷 부화시키다

🇸🇦 يحضن

🇨🇿 inkubovat

🇸🇰 inkubovať

🇨🇳 孵化

🇸🇮 inkubirati

🇮🇸 ræsa út

🇰🇿 инкубациялау

🇬🇪 ინკუბაცია

🇦🇿 inkubasiya etmək

🇲🇽 incubar

Word origin

The word 'incubate' originates from the Latin word 'incubare', meaning 'to lie in or upon'. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various contexts, from biology to business and psychology. The concept of providing a nurturing environment for growth and development remains central to the meaning of 'incubate'.