English

cultivation

gb/kˌʌltɪvˈeɪʃən/ us/kˌʌltɪvˈeɪʃən/
B1 English
~ 5000
Senses
0 senses
Noun B1 action
1

The act of growing plants

The act of growing plants or crops on land.

Usage pattern: the cultivation of [plants/crops]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'cultivation' with 'culture', but 'cultivation' in this sense refers specifically to growing plants or crops.
Synonyms
farming (More general; can include raising animals as well as growing crops.) | agriculture (Formal term often used for the industry or science of farming.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to care for or grow plants, leading to poor results.)
Collocations
rice cultivation |wheat cultivation |cultivation techniques |cultivation methods |cultivation area
Themes
agriculture |food |environment |nature |food_drink |work
Examples
  • Rice cultivation is common in this region.
  • The cultivation of organic vegetables has increased in recent years.
  • Proper soil preparation is essential for successful cultivation.
  • Cultivation requires both knowledge and patience.
  • New irrigation systems have improved crop cultivation.
Learner examples
  • He works in rice cultivation.
  • Cultivation needs water and sun.
  • Cultivation helps people grow food.
  • They use machines for cultivation.
  • Cultivation takes a lot of time.
Noun B2 action
2

The act of improving skills or qualities

The act of making a skill, quality, or friendship better through hard work.

Usage pattern: the cultivation of [a skill/relationship/quality]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'training' instead, but 'cultivation' suggests a broader and more gradual improvement than formal instruction alone.
Synonyms
development (General term for growth or progress in something.) | nurturing (Implies caring support over time for growth.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to care for or improve something.)
Collocations
cultivation of talent |cultivation of friendship |cultivation of patience |cultivation of trust
Themes
self-improvement |education |relationships |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • The cultivation of good habits is important for success.
  • She focused on the cultivation of her leadership skills.
  • His speech showed the cultivation of years of study and practice.
  • The company values the cultivation of strong client relationships.
  • Cultivation of creativity can lead to innovation.
Learner examples
  • The cultivation of skills takes time.
  • She works on the cultivation of her English.
  • Cultivation of friendship is important.
  • They help in the cultivation of young talent.
  • Cultivation of good habits is healthy.
Noun formal C1 state
3

Refinement and good manners

A high level of learning and good manners.

Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'culture'; here it refers to personal refinement rather than shared customs.
Synonyms
refinement (Focuses on polished manners and taste.) | sophistication (Emphasizes worldliness and cultural knowledge.)
Antonyms
crudeness (Lack of refinement or good manners.)
Collocations
a man of cultivation |show cultivation in speech |display cultivation
Themes
society |education |relationships |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • He is a person of great cultivation and taste.
  • Her writing shows cultivation and depth.
  • They admired his cultivation and charm.
  • Cultivation was valued highly in that society.
  • His speech reflected years of cultivation.
Learner examples
  • He has cultivation in art.
  • Her words show cultivation.
  • They like his cultivation and style.
  • Cultivation is important in this school.
  • She speaks with cultivation.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cultivation
IPA
GB/kˌʌltɪvˈeɪʃən/
US/kˌʌltɪvˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
cul - tiv - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: cultivation
  • Plural: cultivation, cultivations
Word family
Forms
cultivations noun
Core family
cultivate verb B2 cultivated adjective
Related words
cultivator noun culture noun B1 cultural adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
uncultivated adjective
Advanced or less common
cultivable adjective
Expressions

bring into cultivation

1
/bɹˈɪŋ ˈɪntu kˌʌltɪvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase

Start using land for crops

To start using land to grow plants or crops.

Examples
  • They plan to bring more land into cultivation next year.
  • The valley was brought into cultivation after irrigation was introduced.

under cultivation

1
/ˈʌndɚ kˌʌltɪvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase

Land used for growing crops now

Land that is being used to grow plants or crops now.

Examples
  • Half the farmland is under cultivation this season.
  • These fields have been under cultivation for decades.

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