cul·ti·vate 
/ˈkʌltəˌveɪt/ verb
cul·ti·vates; cul·ti·vat·ed; cul·ti·vat·ing /ˈkʌltəˌveɪt/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to prepare and use (soil) for growing plants
▪ Prehistoric peoples settled the area and began to cultivate the land. ▪ Some of the fields are cultivated while others lie fallow. 2 a : to grow and care for (plants)
▪ a plant that is cultivated for its fruit ▪ They survived by cultivating vegetables and grain.
b : to grow or raise (something) under conditions that you can control
▪ pearls from cultivated oysters 3 : to improve or develop (something) by careful attention, training, or study
▪ He has carefully cultivated his image/reputation. ▪ She cultivated a taste for fine wines. 4 : to try to become friendly with (someone) usually to get some advantage for yourself
▪ They're always looking for influential people to cultivate as friends.
▪ Prehistoric peoples settled the area and began to cultivate the land. ▪ Some of the fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.
▪ a plant that is cultivated for its fruit ▪ They survived by cultivating vegetables and grain.
b : to grow or raise (something) under conditions that you can control
▪ pearls from cultivated oysters
▪ He has carefully cultivated his image/reputation. ▪ She cultivated a taste for fine wines.
▪ They're always looking for influential people to cultivate as friends.
— cul·ti·va·tion /ˌkʌltəˈveɪʃən/ noun [noncount]
▪ the cultivation of crops
/ˌkʌltəˈveɪʃən/ noun [noncount] ▪ the cultivation of crops
