/'kʌltɪveɪt; `kʌltə,vet/
v [Tn]
1 (a) prepare and use (land, soil, etc) for growing crops 耕（地等）; 耕作.
(b) grow (crops) 种植（庄稼）.
2 (a) make (the mind, feelings, etc) more educated and refined 陶冶（思想、感情等）
*reading the best authors in an attempt to cultivate her mind 她为陶冶情操而阅读最优秀作家的作品.
(b) (sometimes derog 有时作贬义) (try to) acquire or develop (a relationship, an attitude, etc) （力求）建立或发展（某种关系）、采取（某种态度）
*cultivating the friendship of influential people 巴结有权势的人
* cultivate an air of indifference 采取无动于衷的态度.
(c) (sometimes derog 有时作贬义) (try to) win the friendship or support of (sb) （力求）获得（某人）的友谊或支持
*You must cultivate people who can help you in business. 你得结交在业务上对你有用的人.

v [T]
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: Medieval Latin;Origin: , past participle of cultivare, from cultivus 'used for crops', from Latin cultus, past participle of colere 'to cultivate']
to prepare and use land for growing crops and plants
　The land was too rocky to cultivate.
formal to plant and take care of a particular crop
= grow
　We cultivated maize and watermelons.
to work hard to develop a particular skill, attitude, or quality
　Try to cultivate a more relaxed and positive approach to life.
　The company has been successful in cultivating a very professional image.
to make an effort to develop a friendly relationship with someone, especially someone who can help you
　Professor Gladwyn would be an acquaintance worth cultivating.