English · Emotions & Feelings
cultivate
/ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/
[/ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/]
to nurture and develop
Advancedverb
Definition
To cultivate is to grow, nurture, or develop something through care and effort. Speakers urge us to cultivate habits, skills, or relationships.
Example
It takes years to cultivate genuine trust.
It takes years to cultivate genuine trust.
Etymology
From Latin 'cultivare', meaning to till or care for.
How & Where It’s Used
Used figuratively for nurturing qualities and relationships.