Home › Psychology › Child & Adolescent Development › nurture

nurture

NUR-cher /ˈnɜːrtʃər/

verbnounB2TOEFLIELTSSATGRE

generalacademic

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

In developmental debates, 'nurture' encompasses all environmental and caregiving influences, contrasting with genetic 'nature'.

The story behind the word. From Old French 'norriture' (nourishment), derived from Late Latin 'nutritura', stemming from Latin 'nutrire' (to feed, rear, nurse). It shares roots with 'nourish' and 'nutrition'.

Word relationships

foster: 'Foster' emphasizes encouraging or promoting growth; 'nurture' includes tender emotional care and feeding.
rear: 'Rear' focuses on raising children to adulthood; 'nurture' applies to emotional and environmental support broadly.

neglect: Neglect is failing to provide required care or support.
nature: Nature represents biological inheritance rather than environmental influences.

Commonly confused with

nature: 'Nature' is innate genetics; 'nurture' is environmental care and experience.

Word family

nurturing (adjective): Providing care, encouragement, and emotional support.

Collocations

nature versus nurture
nurture development
nurturing environment
nurture growth

Example sentences

"Psychologists now agree that both genetic nature and environmental nurture shape personality development." Nature versus nurture debate
"Parents strive to nurture curious minds by offering supportive learning environments." Parenting philosophy essay

Memory hook

Nurture gives nutrition and care to help someone grow. Nourish with care to nurture.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'nature', which refers solely to inherited genetic makeup.

Fun facts

Francis Galton first popularized the exact phrase 'nature versus nurture' in 1874 to frame discussions on intelligence.