self-cultivation

noun

self-cul·​ti·​va·​tion ˌself-ˌkəl-tə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce self-cultivation (audio)
: the development of one's mind or capacities through one's own efforts : self-culture
The emphasis here is on education for self-cultivation rather than for jobs and on retirement and leisure rather than work.O. B. Hardison, Jr.

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-cultivation was in 1766

Dictionary Entries Near self-cultivation

Cite this Entry

“Self-cultivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-cultivation. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!