cultivation
UK: ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən | US: ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən
n. the act of preparing and using land for growing crops
n. the process of fostering the growth or development of something (e.g., skills, relationships)
n. refinement in manners or education
Derived from Latin cultivare ("to till, cultivate"), which stems from cultus (past participle of colere, meaning "to tend, care for"). The morpheme cult preserves the core idea of growth or care, while -iv and -ation transform it into a noun denoting the process or result of cultivation. The word evolved in Middle English via Old French, reflecting agricultural and metaphorical extensions (e.g., cultivating knowledge).
Modern farming relies on advanced techniques for soil cultivation.
Her cultivation of patience helped her succeed in difficult negotiations.
The monastery was a center of spiritual cultivation in medieval Europe.
Rice cultivation requires flooded fields in many regions.
His polished manners were the result of careful cultivation in elite schools.