What does "cultivation" mean?

1. (growing crops) the act of preparing land and growing plants or crops on it. 2. (developing a skill or quality) the act of working hard to develop a specific quality, skill, or feeling. 3. (building relationships) the effort you put into making a relationship or friendship stronger. 4. (refinement and education) the state of being polite, well-educated, and having good taste.

How do you use "cultivation"?

Uncountable when referring to the general practice; countable when referring to specific methods. Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

cultivation

US //ˌkəɫtɪˈveɪʃən// UK //kˌʌltɪvˈeɪʃən// cul·ti·va·tion

1 growing crops (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of preparing land and growing plants or crops on it.

the process of tilling, planting, and tending land for agricultural production.

Example

The cultivation of rice requires a lot of water and a warm climate.

Example

Extensive cultivation of the valley floor has led to significant changes in the local water table over the last decade.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general practice; countable when referring to specific methods.
- farming
- agriculture
- tillage
2 developing a skill or quality (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic

the act of working hard to develop a specific quality, skill, or feeling.

the deliberate development or refinement of a particular faculty, habit, or attribute.

Example

The cultivation of good study habits is essential for success at university.

Example

The philosopher argued that the cultivation of empathy was a prerequisite for any functioning democratic society.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
- neglect

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3 building relationships (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the effort you put into making a relationship or friendship stronger.

the intentional effort to foster and maintain social or professional relationships.

Example

The manager spent a lot of time on the cultivation of new business partners.

Example

Successful diplomacy relies on the careful cultivation of long-term alliances rather than short-term political gains.
- fostering
- promotion
4 refinement and education (n.)
C1 Advanced Literary Formal

the state of being polite, well-educated, and having good taste.

the state of being refined or enlightened through education and social training.

Example

He was a man of great cultivation who loved opera and classical history.

Example

Her letters reveal a woman of extraordinary cultivation, deeply engaged with the intellectual currents of her time.
- vulgarity
- ignorance

Origin

From Medieval Latin cultivātus, perfect passive participle of cultivō, + -ion, or Middle French cultivation. By surface analysis, cultivate + -ion.