cul|ti|vate

cul|ti|vate «KUHL tuh vayt», transitive verb, -vat|ed, -vat|ing.

1. to prepare and use (land) to raise crops by plowing it, planting seeds, and taking care of the growing plants; till: »

He cultivates a farm of 500 acres.

2. to help (plants) grow by labor and care: »

She cultivates most of her flowers from seed.

3. a) to loosethe ground around (growing plants) to kill weeds and help growth: »

It took all afternoon to cultivate the corn.

b) to loosen or break up (the ground) with a cultivator: »

The farmer cultivated his fields just before planting time.

4. Figurative. to improve or develop by education or training: »

It takes time, thought, and effort to cultivate your mind.

SYNONYM(S): train, refine.

5. Figurative. to give time, thought, and effort to; practice: »

An artist cultivates his craft.

SYNONYM(S): cherish.

6. Figurative. to promote the growth or development of (an art, science, or other undertaking or study). SYNONYM(S): foster.

7. Figurative. to establish or strengthen: »

Friendships cultivated in school often last a lifetime.

8. Figurative. to seek the friendship of; seek better acquaintance with: »

She cultivated people who could help her.

╂[< Medieval Latin cultivare (with English -ate¹) < cultivus under cultivation < Latin colere till, cherish]