cul ‧ ti ‧ vate /ˈkʌltəveɪt, ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Medieval Latin ; Origin: past participle of cultivare , from cultivus 'used for crops' , from Latin cultus , past participle of colere 'to cultivate' ]
1 . to prepare and use land for growing crops and plants:
The land was too rocky to cultivate.
2 . formal to plant and take care of a particular crop SYN grow :
We cultivated maize and watermelons.
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In everyday English, people usually say someone grows a crop rather than cultivates it:
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They have been growing grapes there for hundreds of years.
3 . to work hard to develop a particular skill, attitude, or quality:
Try to cultivate a more relaxed and positive approach to life.
The company has been successful in cultivating a very professional image.
4 . to make an effort to develop a friendly relationship with someone, especially someone who can help you:
Professor Gladwyn would be an acquaintance worth cultivating.