Neutral Examples:
* The farmer culled the weakest lambs from the flock to ensure the survival of the strongest.
* The city council decided to cull the invasive tree species to protect native plants.
* The scientist culled data from the experiment to draw conclusions.
Negative Connotations:
* The government culled the population of endangered animals, arguing that it was necessary for ecosystem balance. (This example is controversial as it suggests a potentially inhumane practice)
* The company culled its workforce in an attempt to reduce costs. (This implies job losses)
* The editor culled the manuscript, removing extraneous details to make the story more concise. (This can imply a loss of information)
Positive Connotations:
* The artist culled the best pieces from their portfolio to showcase at the exhibition. (This implies a selection of high quality)
* The chef culled the freshest ingredients from the market for the special menu. (This implies a selection of the best quality)
The meaning of "cull" can vary depending on the context. It's important to consider the connotations of the word and use it appropriately.