Word
foster
Phoneticsfos·ter, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɑstɝ/
UK/fˈɒstɐ/
Definitions
01to encourage development
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to help a feeling, an idea, or a skill grow and become stronger.
v. to promote the growth or development of something; to cultivate a specific environment or quality.
Español:alentar
“The teacher tried to foster a sense of curiosity in her students.”
“The government introduced new tax incentives designed to foster innovation within the renewable energy sector.”
Antonyms
02to care for a child
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to take a child into your family for a period of time without becoming their legal parent.
v. to provide parental care for a child who is not one's own by birth or legal adoption, typically on a temporary basis.
“They have fostered over ten children while their birth parents were unable to care for them.”
“Social services worked closely with the couple as they prepared to foster a sibling group with complex emotional needs.”
03family relationship
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. used to describe a family or child involved in a temporary care arrangement.
adj. denoting a relationship or person involved in the temporary care of a child by someone other than their legal parents.
“She is still very close to her foster brother even though they are adults now.”
“The legislation aims to provide better long-term support for foster parents who commit to caring for children with disabilities.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “foster” in context.
Verb
01. foster development
“The new government policy aims to foster development in the renewable energy sector.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“Yet, likes are increasingly viewed as a way to foster negative feelings, particularly among young people.” “Sixteen-year-old Dusty and her little sister Poppy have been through multiple foster placements.” Etymology
English surname, reduced from Forster; also from the noun foster.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/foster
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0