1. Agriculture: Cultivate most commonly refers to preparing and tending land for the growth of crops. This includes activities like:
* Plowing and tilling the soil
* Planting seeds or seedlings
* Watering, fertilizing, and weeding
* Harvesting the mature crops
2. Nurturing and Developing: Cultivate can also mean to nurture and develop something, like a skill, a relationship, or a quality. This can involve:
* Encouraging and supporting growth
* Providing the necessary resources and environment
* Working on and improving over time
Examples:
* "The farmer cultivates a vast field of corn." (agricultural meaning)
* "She cultivates a positive attitude by practicing gratitude." (developing a quality)
* "He cultivates his relationship with his family through regular phone calls." (nurturing a relationship)
* "The company cultivates a culture of innovation." (developing a company culture)
Overall, "cultivate" emphasizes the process of actively working to create something beneficial or desirable. It implies conscious effort and dedication to nurture and improve.