Meaning & use
self-cultivation
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Meanings
noununcountable
The deliberate development of one's own mind, character, or abilities, often through study, reflection, or spiritual practice.
Grammar: Uncountable; used with 'the' or without an article, e.g. 'Self-cultivation takes time.'
Patterns
- the pursuit of self-cultivation
- through self-cultivation
Her daily journaling and meditation are part of a lifelong practice of self-cultivation.
The philosopher argued that self-cultivation is more important than wealth.
noununcountablereligionformal
In some religious or philosophical traditions, the process of improving one's moral or spiritual self.
Grammar: Often used in the context of Buddhism, Confucianism, or other spiritual paths.
Patterns
- spiritual self-cultivation
- a path of self-cultivation
In Zen Buddhism, self-cultivation is pursued through meditation and mindfulness.
The monk devoted his life to prayer and self-cultivation.
Common combinations
- practice self-cultivation
- She practices self-cultivation by reading philosophy every morning.
- spiritual self-cultivation
- Spiritual self-cultivation helped him find inner peace.
- a path of self-cultivation
- Yoga is seen by many as a path of self-cultivation.
- moral self-cultivation
- Confucius emphasized moral self-cultivation as the basis of a good society.
Synonyms and how they differ
- self-improvement
- More common and less formal; often refers to practical skills or habits rather than spiritual growth.
- self-development
- Similar but often used in business or career contexts.
- personal growth
- Focuses on emotional and psychological development, not necessarily deliberate practice.
Word family
- self-cultivate verb
- To develop oneself, though rare; usually used as 'cultivate oneself'.
Commonly confused: self-cultivation or cultivation?
self-cultivation vs cultivation
Without 'self-', this usually means growing crops or plants, or the act of developing something (e.g., 'cultivation of land').
Practice
Which sentence uses 'self-cultivation' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct answer is B because 'self-cultivation' is an uncountable noun and fits the context of personal development. An is wrong because it is not a countable object. C is wrong because 'self-cultivation' does not mean growing crops. D is wrong because the verb should be singular ('is').
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “self-cultivation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.