Word
fostering
Phoneticsfos·ter·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɑstɝɪŋ/
UK/fˈɒstəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01encouraging development
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to help a feeling, idea, or skill grow and become stronger.
v. to promote the growth or development of something, such as a relationship, atmosphere, or skill. Transitive — requires an object.
“The teacher is fostering a love of reading in her students by sharing stories.”
“The new manager is dedicated to fostering a culture of transparency and mutual respect within the department.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02caring 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 been fostering two young children while their mother is recovering.”
“Fostering requires a significant emotional commitment, as the goal is often to provide stability until the child can safely return to their biological family.”
Synonyms
03the act of helping growth
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of encouraging something to develop or improve.
n. the act of aiding or encouraging the development of a project, idea, or quality. Functions as a gerund.
“The fostering of new talent is essential for the future of the company.”
“The government's fostering of international trade relations has led to a significant increase in local employment opportunities.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04the system of child care
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Law
n. the system or act of looking after a child who cannot live with their own parents.
n. the practice of providing a temporary home and care for children through a social service system.
“She decided to go into fostering after her own children left for university.”
“The agency provides extensive training for anyone interested in fostering to ensure they can meet the complex needs of children in care.”
Synonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. When used in the context of childcare, it is often used as a participial adjective (e.g., 'fostering parents').
Pitfall
fostering to the growth
fostering the growth
Fostering is a transitive verb and should not be followed by the preposition 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“One example is the PrebullPE program, a hands-on model that the research group has already brought into classrooms and that addresses identifying bullying, managing emotions and fostering social skills for a better school climate.” “But all in all, Rand’s results suggest that when people repeatedly cross each other’s paths, carrots are far better than sticks at fostering behaviour for the greater good.” “BSN Social Care, majority-owned by MML Capital Partners, runs a chain of regional fostering agencies across the country supporting more than 850 children.” 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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