(~s, cultivating, ~d)
1.
If you ~ land or crops, you prepare land and grow crops on it.
She also ~d a small garden of her own.
...the few patches of ~d land.
VERB: V n, V-ed
cultivation
...the cultivation of fruits and vegetables...
Farmers with many acres under cultivation profited.
N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp, prep N
2.
If you ~ an attitude, image, or skill, you try hard to develop it and make it stronger or better.
Cultivating a positive mental attitude towards yourself can reap tremendous benefits.
VERB: V n
cultivation
...the cultivation of a positive approach to life and health.
N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n
3.
If you ~ someone or ~ a friendship with them, you try hard to develop a friendship with them.
Howe carefully ~d Daniel C. Roper, the Assistant Postmaster General...
Estonia has done much to ~ the friendship of western European countries.
VERB: V n, V n