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cultivate

KUL-tuh-vayt /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/

verbB2GRESATIELTSTOEFL

neutralacademic

To prepare and use land for crops or gardening; to break up soil and nurture growth; figuratively, to foster skills or relationships.

Emphasizes active effort, intentional preparation, and ongoing care to produce growth.

The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'cultivare', stemming from classical Latin 'colere', which meant to inhabit, tend, or till the earth. The term gave us 'culture', 'agriculture', and 'cultivate', reflecting human work converting raw nature into refined civilization.

Word relationships

farm: 'Farm' is a broad term for operating a agricultural business; 'cultivate' focuses on soil preparation and nurturing crops.
nurture: 'Nurture' implies emotional or physical care, while 'cultivate' specifically highlights systematic preparation and labor.

neglect: Failing to care for or develop land, relationships, or skills.
abandon: Leaving land unworked or unmanaged.

Commonly confused with

captivate: 'Cultivate' means to grow or tend; 'captivate' means to charm or hold someone's complete attention.

Word family

cultivation (noun): The act or process of cultivating soil or crops.
cultivator (noun): A person or farm machine that breaks soil and tills crops.

Collocations

cultivate land
cultivate crops
cultivate relationships
cultivate habits

Example sentences

"Farmers in the valley cultivate corn, wheat, and leafy vegetables using traditional organic techniques." Traditional agriculture
"The mentorship program helped young engineers cultivate essential leadership skills." Metaphorical skill development

Memory hook

Think of CULTIVATE as 'CULTURE on the ESTATE'—working land with care and skill. CULTIVATE = Till soil and care for growth.

When not to use

Do not use for wild, unmanaged natural growth that occurs without human intervention.

Fun facts

The Latin root 'colere' gave us both 'agriculture' (tilling fields) and 'culture' (tilling the mind).