|
- pronunciation:
- kuhl
tih
veIt
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: |
transitive verb |
inflections: |
cultivates, cultivating, cultivated |
definition 1: |
to make (land or soil) fit for growing plants, as by plowing or adding nutrients.
The farmers had to wait for the earth to thaw out before they could cultivate the soil.- synonyms:
- farm, till
- similar words:
- compost, fertilize, harrow, plow, rake, subdue, weed, work
|
definition 2: |
to tend and help (plants) grow.
We're cultivating vegetables on our farm now.
- synonyms:
- grow, raise
- similar words:
- culture, tend
|
definition 3: |
to encourage the growth and flourishing of.
He is a wealthy person who has always cultivated the arts in this town.Do you have a special reason for cultivating his friendship?- synonyms:
- encourage, foster, patronize, promote
- antonyms:
- stunt
- similar words:
- advance, advocate, further, grow, help, nourish, nurture, pursue, sponsor, support
|
definition 4: |
to refine and improve, as through education.
We cultivate the children's minds by having them read great books.- synonyms:
- civilize, refine
- similar words:
- acculturate, culture, develop, discipline, educate, enlighten, finish, groom, improve, polish, school, smooth, socialize, train
|
definition 5: |
to grow or prepare a culture of (tissue, bacteria, or the like).
- synonyms:
- culture
|
related words: |
breed, civilize, grow, nourish, rear |
|
|
|
|