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nurture

NER-cher /ˈnɜːrtʃər/

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generalacademic

To care for, encourage, and support the growth or development of someone or something.

Implies tender, ongoing attention over time rather than a single brief act of support.

The story behind the word. From Old French 'norriture' and Latin 'nutrire', meaning to nourish or feed. Historically linked to nursing infants, it broadened over centuries to describe tending to any growing mind or spirit.

Word relationships

foster: Foster emphasizes promoting growth through an enabling environment, while nurture often implies warm, personal care.
cultivate: Cultivate focuses on deliberate effort and training, often used for mindsets or crops.

neglect: Neglect means failing to care for or pay attention to someone or something.
stifle: Stifle means to actively suppress or smother development.

Commonly confused with

nature: Nature refers to innate genetic traits, whereas nurture refers to environmental influence and care.

Word family

nurturer (noun): A person who provides care and encouragement.
nurturing (adjective): Providing care, encouragement, and support.

Collocations

nurture growth
nurture creativity
nature vs nurture
nurture talent

Idioms & expressions

nurture a dream

Example sentences

"Parents and teachers must nurture early curiosity before harsh habits take root in a child's mind." Educational growth philosophy

Memory hook

Think of a NURse caring for a child; she provides NURture. Feed the seed so it can grow.

When not to use

Do not use for sudden mechanical repairs or one-off financial donations without ongoing care.

Fun facts

The phrase 'Nature vs. Nurture' was popularized in 1874 by English polymath Francis Galton.