cultivates
|cul-ti-vates|
🇺🇸
/ˈkʌltɪˌveɪts/
🇬🇧
/ˈkʌltɪveɪts/
(cultivate)
refined or prepared
Etymology
'cultivate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cultivare' (from the past participle 'cultivatus'), where the root 'colere' meant 'to till, to cultivate'.
'cultivate' changed via Old French 'cultiver' and Middle English forms into the modern English word 'cultivate'.
Initially, it meant 'to till the soil', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to foster growth or develop (skills, relationships, qualities)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to prepare and use (land) for crops or gardening; to till and raise plants.
She cultivates the field every spring to plant vegetables.
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Verb 2
to develop or improve (a skill, quality, or habit) through deliberate effort.
He cultivates his public speaking skills by practicing every week.
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Last updated: 2025/10/02 20:45