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noun Common

cultivation

kuhl-tih-VAY-shuhn
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Cultivation (noun) means the process of preparing and farming land to grow crops. Example: “The valley is known for its rice cultivation.”

noun
1
The process of preparing and farming land to grow crops.
"The valley is known for its rice cultivation."
"Tea cultivation needs plenty of rain and well-drained hillside soil."
"The farmer spent the spring on the cultivation of his northern fields."
2
The ongoing effort to develop or improve a skill or quality.
"Years of cultivation went into her public speaking ability."
"Good manners require the cultivation of patience from a young age."
"The cultivation of friendship takes time, effort and a willingness to listen."

How to use cultivation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFarming land for crops, or nurturing a skill, talent, or quality over time.

Common pairings
crop cultivation self-cultivation
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Word forms

Plural
cultivations
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The valley is known for its rice _____.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin cultivatus plus "-ion," or via Middle French cultivation.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for cultivation

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Frequently asked questions

What does “cultivation” mean?
The word “cultivation” means the process of preparing and farming land to grow crops. In plain terms, farming land for crops, or nurturing a skill, talent, or quality over time.
How do you pronounce “cultivation”?
“Cultivation” is pronounced kuhl-tih-VAY-shuhn (/ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “cultivation” in a sentence?
Here is “cultivation” used in a sentence: “The valley is known for its rice cultivation.”
What is another word for “cultivation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cultivation” include tillage.
What part of speech is “cultivation”?
“Cultivation” is a noun.
Where does the word “cultivation” come from?
The word “cultivation” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin cultivatus plus "-ion," or via Middle French cultivation.
Is “cultivation” a common word?
“Cultivation” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cultivation” have?
“Cultivation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the process of preparing and farming land to grow crops.
What is the difference between cultivation and farming?
Cultivation specifically refers to the process of preparing and working land to grow crops, while farming is a broader term covering the whole agricultural operation, including raising livestock. Cultivation can also apply figuratively to developing a skill or quality, a sense farming does not carry.
Can cultivation refer to something other than growing crops?
Yes, cultivation is often used figuratively to describe the ongoing effort to develop or improve a skill or quality, such as "the cultivation of good judgment." This extends the agricultural image of tending land to the idea of nurturing personal growth.
Is cultivation used in gardening as well as large-scale agriculture?
Yes, cultivation applies at any scale, from a home gardener tilling a small plot to a farmer managing hundreds of acres of crops. The word describes the process itself, regardless of the size of the operation.

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