To cultivate is to prepare and use land for growing plants, or to carefully develop a skill, relationship, or quality over time. It involves attention, effort, and patience.
From Latin *cultivare* “to till, to farm,” from *cultus* “care, cultivation, worship.” The idea of caring for land expanded to caring for talents, manners, and connections.
When you cultivate friendships or skills, you’re doing the same mental action as a farmer: clearing, planting, feeding, and waiting. It’s a great reminder that most good things in life don’t just appear—they’re grown.
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