ENGLISH
REFERENCE

foster

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈfɑstɝ// UK //fˈɒstɐ// fos·ter Archaic Informal

v. to help something grow or develop over time. You use this when you want to encourage a feeling, an idea, or a skill in others.

v. to encourage the development or growth of something, such as an idea, feeling, or relationship. Often describes the intentional creation of a supportive environment.


SIMPLE

The teacher tries to foster a love of reading in her students.

CONTEXTUAL

The new manager implemented weekly team lunches to foster a sense of community among the staff.

COMPLEX

By providing grants to local artists, the city council hopes to foster a vibrant cultural scene that will eventually attract international tourism.

Synonyms
Origin

English surname, reduced from Forster; also from the noun foster.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually an abstract noun like 'growth', 'spirit', or 'relationship'.

Pitfall

They foster to a child.They foster a child.Foster is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'to' before its object.

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