cultural
gb/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl/ us/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Relating to society's customs and ideas
About the habits, ideas, and way of life of a group of people.
Usage pattern:
[something] is cultural
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'cultural' with 'cultured', which means having good education and manners.
Synonyms
social (Focuses on relationships among people rather than traditions and customs.)
Antonyms
natural (Refers to things existing in nature, not created or shaped by human society.)
Collocations
cultural heritage
|cultural diversity
|cultural identity
|cultural traditions
|cultural background
Themes
society
|anthropology
|education
|relationships
Examples
- The museum focuses on the cultural history of the region.
- Language plays a key role in cultural identity.
- Festivals are an important part of the country's cultural traditions.
- Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings in international business.
Learner examples
- Music is part of our cultural life.
- We study cultural history in school.
- The city has many cultural events.
- Cultural traditions are important to my family.
adjective
B1
property
2
Relating to arts and intellect
About art, music, books, and other creative activities.
Usage pattern:
[something] is cultural
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'artistic', which usually refers to individual skill or creativity.
Synonyms
artistic (Focuses specifically on art and creativity rather than broader intellectual activities.)
Antonyms
unartistic (Lacking skill or interest in artistic activities.)
Collocations
cultural event
|cultural center
|cultural festival
Themes
arts
|education
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The city is famous for its rich cultural life.
- They attended several cultural events during their trip.
- Cultural institutions like theaters and galleries are vital to community life.
Learner examples
- The town has many cultural events.
- She works at a cultural center.
- We went to a cultural festival.
adjective
technical
C1
property
3
Relating to controlled cultivation
About growing plants or tiny living things in special conditions.
Usage pattern:
[something] is cultural
Synonyms
agronomic (Specifically relates to crop production and soil management.)
Collocations
cultural practices
|cultural medium
Themes
science
|biology
|technology
Examples
- The lab used a special cultural medium for the bacteria.
- Cultural practices in agriculture can affect crop yield.
- They studied the cultural characteristics of the plant species.
Learner examples
- We use a cultural medium to grow bacteria.
- Farmers use different cultural methods.
- The scientist studies cultural practices in farming.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cultural
IPA
GB/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl/
US/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl/
Syllables & stress
cul - tur - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cul)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: cultural
Word family
Core family
culture
noun B1
culturally
adverb B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
uncultured
adjective
Advanced or less common
multiculturalism
noun
acculturation
noun C1
Expressions
cultural exchange
1/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl ɪkst͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Sharing between cultures
When people from different cultures share ideas and traditions.
Examples
- The students took part in a cultural exchange program with France.
- Cultural exchange promotes understanding between nations.
cultural identity
1/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl aɪdˈɛntɪti/
fixed phrase
Sense of belonging to culture
How someone feels they belong to a certain culture.
Examples
- Immigration can influence a person's cultural identity.
- Language plays a big role in cultural identity.
cultural appropriation
1/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl əpɹˌoʊpɹiˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Using another culture without respect
When someone uses parts of another culture without knowing or respecting its meaning.
Examples
- Wearing that costume could be seen as cultural appropriation.
- The fashion show sparked a debate about cultural appropriation.
- The debate about cultural appropriation is ongoing in the fashion industry.
- Many activists say the costume is an example of cultural appropriation.
cultural diversity
1/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl dɪvˈɚsɪti/
fixed phrase
Variety of cultures present
Having many different cultures in one place.
Examples
- The city is known for its cultural diversity.
- The city is famous for its cultural diversity.
- Schools are embracing cultural diversity in their programs.
- Schools are finding ways to celebrate cultural diversity in the classroom.
cultural heritage
1/kˈʌlt͡ʃɚəl hˈɛɹɪtɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Traditions and art from the past
The history, art, and traditions that come from the past in a society.
Examples
- The UNESCO program aims to protect world cultural heritage.
- Traditional dance is an important part of our cultural heritage.
- Language is an important part of our cultural heritage.
- They are working to preserve their cultural heritage.