Cultivate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkÊŒltɪveɪt/

Origin

From Medieval Latin cultivātus, perfect passive participle of cultivō ("till, cultivate"), from cultīvus ("tilled"), from Latin cultus, perfect passive participle of colō ("till, cultivate"), which comes from earlier *quelō, from Proto-Indo-European *kʷel- ("to move; to turn (around)"). Cognates include Ancient Greek πέλω and Sanskrit चरति. The same Proto-Indo-European root also gave Latin in-quil-īnus ("inhabitant") and anculus ("servant").

Full definition of cultivate

Verb

1. To grow plants, notably cropsFarmers should cultivate their crops to get a good harvest.
2. To nurture; to foster; to tend.They tried to cultivate an interest in learning among their students.
3. To turn or stir soil in preparation for planting.

Derived terms