To prepare and use land for crops or gardening. Farmers cultivate the fields every spring to prepare for planting.
To try to acquire or develop a quality, sentiment, or skill. She worked hard to cultivate a sense of patience and understanding.
To foster the growth of a relationship or connection. He made an effort to cultivate friendships with his new colleagues.
To grow or raise plants, bacteria, or other living organisms, often under controlled or laboratory conditions. Researchers cultivate stem cells in specialized mediums to study their development.