foster

/'fɔstə/

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Explanation of the Word "Foster"

Definition: The word "foster" can be used as a verb, an adjective, or a noun.

Usage Instructions:

• As a verb: Use "foster" when talking about encouraging growth or development.

  • Example: "The teacher aims to foster a love for reading in her students."

• As an adjective: Use "foster" to describe relationships or situations involving care and support without legal or blood ties.

  • Example: "They decided to become foster parents to help children in need."

Advanced Usage:

• "Foster" can also be used in more abstract ways, such as fostering ideas or communities.
  • Example: "The organization works to foster a sense of belonging among the members."

Word Variants:

• Fostering (verb): The present participle form, used for ongoing actions.

  • Example: "They are fostering a new initiative in the community."

• Fostered (verb): The past tense form.

  • Example: "She fostered a positive environment for her team."

Different Meanings:

• In the context of child care: "Foster" specifically refers to caring for children temporarily, usually when their biological parents cannot care for them.
• In music: Refers to the work of Stephen Foster, who is known for his sentimental songs.

Synonyms:

• As a verb: nurture, cultivate, promote, support, encourage.
• As an adjective: adoptive (in some contexts), supportive.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t many specific idioms or phrasal verbs with "foster," but you can think of related expressions like:
  • "Foster good relations" which means to encourage and maintain positive relationships.
  • "Foster a sense of community" which means to create and support a feeling of belonging among people.

Summary:

In summary, "foster" is a versatile word used to describe the act of nurturing or caring for someone or something, particularly in a non-traditional family setting, as well as to refer to the development of ideas and talents.

Academic

Adjective

1. providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
   • foster parent
   • foster child
   • foster home
   • surrogate father

Verb

1. help develop, help grow
   • nurture his talents
2. bring up under fosterage; of children
3. promote the growth of
   • Foster our children's well-being and education

Noun

1. United States songwriter whose songs embody the sentiment of the South before the American Civil War (1826-1864)

Synonyms

• surrogate
• nurture
• further
• Foster
• Stephen Foster
• Stephen Collins Foster