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cultivate

cul·ti·vate

cultivate

 
 
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
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  farm, fruit, garden, grain, plant, vegetable