C1verb1K

Foster

UK /["/ˈfɒstə(r)/","/ˈfɒstəz/","/ˈfɒstəd/","/ˈfɒstərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈfɑːstər/","/ˈfɑːstərz/","/ˈfɑːstərd/","/ˈfɑːstərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to encourage something to develop

In simple words: To help something develop or grow.

Examples

  • The club's aim is to foster better relations within the community.
  • The school has carefully fostered its progressive image.
  • Such organizations need to foster innovation.
  • They have fostered over 60 children during the past ten years.
  • We couldn't adopt a child, so we decided to foster.

Usage notes

Use 'foster' in contexts related to support, care, or encouragement. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'help' might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

foster + object

Memory hint

Think of 'foster' as 'fostering a flower' — you help it grow with care.

Collocations

  • carefully
  • deliberately
  • help (to)
  • be designed to

Synonyms

  • encourage, promote

Antonyms

  • neglect
  • abandon
  • hinder

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'foster' as a noun, while it's typically used as a verb.
  • Incorrectly using 'foster' without an object, e.g., 'foster in' instead of 'foster their growth'.