help foster

Meaning

1. 1verbtransitiveformal

   To help something such as a feeling, idea, or relationship develop or grow.

   Grammar: Takes an object: help foster trust. The object is usually an abstract noun like cooperation, creativity, or understanding.

   Patterns

   • help foster something
   • help foster a sense of something
   • help foster cooperation between people

   The program is designed to help foster a love of reading in young children.

   Good communication can help foster trust between colleagues.

   These events help foster a sense of community in the neighborhood.

Word forms

Common combinations

help foster cooperation

The treaty is intended to help foster cooperation between the two countries.

help foster innovation

Tax breaks can help foster innovation in small businesses.

help foster a sense of community

Local festivals help foster a sense of community.

help foster understanding

Exchange programs help foster understanding between cultures.

Synonyms and how they differ

encourage

Encourage is more general and can be used for people or things; foster is more formal and usually refers to abstract qualities or relationships.

promote

Promote often suggests actively supporting something in public; foster focuses on creating conditions for slow growth.

nurture

Nurture suggests caring for something over a long period, like a parent; foster is broader and can be used for ideas or feelings.

Opposites

Word family

foster verb

To encourage the development of something; also to take care of a child who is not your own.

fostering noun

The act of encouraging something to develop, or of caring for a foster child.

Commonly confused: help foster or foster care?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “help foster”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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