'cultivate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cultivare,' where 'cultus' meant 'care' or 'cultivation.'

'cultivare' transformed into the French word 'cultiver,' and eventually became the modern English word 'cultivate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to care for or till the land,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to develop or improve by education or training.'