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World English Dictionary
Dictionnaire Français
cultivate
cul·ti·vate
[
kúltə vàyt
]
(
past and past participle
cul·ti·vat·ed
,
present participle
cul·ti·vat·ing
,
3rd person present singular
cul·ti·vates
)
transitive verb
Definition:
1.
prepare land for crops:
to work land or prepare soil for growing crops
2.
grow plant:
to grow a plant or crop
3.
loosen soil:
to break up soil with a tool or machine, especially before sowing or planting
4.
nurture something:
to improve or develop something, usually by study or education
cultivating her interest in science
5.
develop acquaintance with somebody:
to develop an acquaintance or intimacy with somebody, often for personal advantage
6.
make somebody cultured:
to civilize or educate a person or group
[
Mid-17th century. < medieval Latin
cultivat-
, past participle of
cultivare
<
cultivus
"cultured" < Latin
cult-
(see
culture
)
]
cul·ti·va·ble
adjective
cul·ti·vat·a·ble
adjective
cul·ti·vat·ed
adjective
Encarta® World English Dictionary [North American Edition] © & (P)2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
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