# cultivated

/ˈkəɫtəˌveɪtɪd/ (US) · /kˈʌltɪvˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cultivated
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. refined and educated

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

well-educated and polite, with a good knowledge of art, music, and literature.

For teachers: refined, educated, and socially sophisticated; possessing a high degree of cultural knowledge and polished manners.

- He was a cultivated man who could speak four languages and play the piano beautifully.
- The diplomat was widely admired as a cultivated individual, equally comfortable discussing modern architecture or classical philosophy at formal receptions.

Usage: Usually describes a person's character, voice, or tastes.

### 2. farmed or grown

adjective · CEFR B2

land that is used for growing crops, or plants that are grown by people rather than growing wild.

For teachers: prepared and used for raising crops; specifically referring to land under tillage or plants produced by selective breeding.

- The valley was filled with cultivated fields of wheat and corn.
- The botanist noted the distinct differences between the wild variety of the flower and the cultivated version found in local gardens.

Usage: Commonly used in agricultural and environmental contexts.

## Examples

- She is a very cultivated woman who loves the opera.
- The diplomat's cultivated manner helped him navigate the complex social expectations of the royal court with ease.
- His library was a testament to a cultivated mind, filled with rare editions of classical philosophy and modern poetry that he had collected over several decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.