cultivate
to grow plants or crops by working the land and taking care of them
To grow plants or crops by preparing the soil and looking after them as they develop.
to make a skill, habit, or feeling grow stronger by working on it again and again
To develop a skill, quality, habit, or attitude by giving it regular attention and effort over time.
to work to make a relationship or contact stronger, often because it can help you later
To try to develop a relationship, contact, or support network, often because it may be useful or helpful in the future.
to work on the soil, for example by turning or breaking it, so that it is ready to grow crops
To prepare and work the soil, for example by plowing or digging it, so that crops can be grown there.
to grow bacteria, cells, or tissue in a laboratory using special food and conditions
In science or medicine, to grow microorganisms, cells, or tissues in controlled conditions, such as in a dish or special medium.
- Base: cultivate
- 3rd Person Singular: cultivates
- Present Participle: cultivating
- Past: cultivated
cultivate a relationship
1work to develop a relationship
to work over time to make a relationship closer or better
- It's important to cultivate a relationship with your neighbors so you can support each other.
- The company wants to cultivate a relationship with local communities.
- She has carefully cultivated a relationship with her mentor over many years.
cultivate a taste for
1learn to like something over time
to slowly begin to like something, usually food, drink, music, or art, by trying it many times
- I slowly cultivated a taste for black coffee.
- She has cultivated a taste for jazz since moving to New Orleans.
- Many people cultivate a taste for spicy food as they get older.
cultivate an image
1carefully create a public image
to act in a planned way so that other people see you or your group in a certain way
- The politician has tried to cultivate an image of honesty and openness.
- The brand is cultivating an image of being young and innovative.
- He carefully cultivated an image as a tough but fair leader.
cultivate the land
1work land to grow crops
to work on the land, for example by turning the soil, so that you can grow crops there
- For generations, their family has cultivated the land by the river.
- Early settlers had to clear forests before they could cultivate the land.
- Many people in the village still cultivate the land using simple tools.