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cultivate

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To cultivate is designed as to prepare land to grow something or to nurture and cause growth, either literally or figuratively.

(verb)

An example of cultivate is when you prepare land to farm on it.
An example of cultivate is when you cause carrots to grow.
An example of cultivate is when you work to create a friendship and help that friendship grow.
An example of cultivate is when you decide to learn about wine so you can expand your appreciation for it and learn to more deeply enjoy the taste of it.

See cultivate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb cultivated, cultivating

to prepare and use (soil or land) for growing crops; till
to break up the surface soil around (plants) in order to destroy weeds, prevent crusting, and preserve moisture
to grow (plants, crops, fish, etc.) from seeds, bulbs, shoots, etc.
to improve or develop (plants) by various horticultural techniques
to improve by care, training, or study; refine: to cultivate one's mind
to promote the development or growth of; acquire and develop: to cultivate a taste for music
to seek to develop familiarity with; give one's attention to; pursue

Origin: < ML cultivatus, pp. of cultivare < LL cultivus, tilled < L cultus: see cult

See cultivate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

cul·ti·vate

transitive verb cultivated cul·ti·vat·ed, cultivating cul·ti·vat·ing, cul·ti·vates

a. To improve and prepare (land), as by plowing or fertilizing, for raising crops; till.
b. To loosen or dig soil around (growing plants).
To grow or tend (a plant or crop).
To promote the growth of (a biological culture).
To nurture; foster. See Synonyms at nurture.
To form and refine, as by education.
To seek the acquaintance or goodwill of; make friends with.

Origin: Medieval Latin cultīvāre, cultīvāt-, from cultīvus, tilled, from Latin cultus, past participle of colere, to till; see k^wel-¹ in Indo-European roots.

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