# foster

/ˈfɑstɝ/ (US) · /fˈɒstɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/foster
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to encourage development

verb · CEFR B2

to help a feeling, an idea, or a skill grow and become stronger.

For teachers: to promote the growth or development of something; to cultivate a specific environment or quality.

- 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.

### 2. to care for a child

verb · CEFR B2

to take a child into your family for a period of time without becoming their legal parent.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. family relationship

adjective · CEFR B2

used to describe a family or child involved in a temporary care arrangement.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The teacher tries to foster a love of reading in her students.
- The new manager implemented weekly team lunches to foster a sense of community among the staff.
- By providing grants to local artists, the city council hopes to foster a vibrant cultural scene that will eventually attract international tourism.

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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.