nurture
English meaning: Nurture
Definition
To nurture is to care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something. Speakers say we must nurture talent and curiosity.
Example
“Good schools nurture a love of learning.”
Another example: “Good teachers nurture curiosity rather than simply filling heads with facts.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Warm, positive verb meaning to care for and encourage growth; used of children, talent, relationships and ideas (nurture talent, nurture a child). Also a noun in the 'nature versus nurture' debate. Neutral to slightly formal.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'norture', meaning nourishment.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- neglect
- stifle
- suppress
Related Words
- kinship
- dichotomy
- talents
- innate
- creativity
- talent
- spirituality
- sustain
- educate
- debate
- minds
- talented
Common Collocations
- nurture talent
- nurture a relationship
- nurture creativity
- nature versus nurture
- nurture growth
Word Forms
nurture (v); nurtured; nurtures; nurturing; nurture (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B