culture - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
culture Word Meanings
- the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society
- the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively
- the cultivation of bacteria, tissue cells, etc., in an artificial medium containing nutrients.
culture Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
culture Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkʌltʃə/
US
/ˈkʌltʃɚ/
culture Word Etymology
culture = cult- = to grow, + -ure = noun form. Historical origin: Latin→Old French→English. Memory image: Picture a field of crops growing abundantly, representing the nurturing of ideas and habits.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push open the door and step into a crowded street, the day buzzing with voices. People move to their own rhythms, and I tune my steps to theirs, a small effort to fit in. I adjust my posture, hold back my questions, and keep listening to the tiny rituals in meals, greetings, and jokes. Through this slow noticing, culture feels like the living thread that keeps a community together, shaping what we share and how we welcome one another.
Real Context
Culture is a broad concept that covers how people think, behave, and create together. In everyday use, it refers to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society, and to the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. It also exists as a technical term in science, describing the cultivation of bacteria, tissue cells, etc., in an artificial medium containing nutrients. Because culture spans social life, arts, and science, learners should pay attention to context to choose the right sense and collocations. English often uses culture with phrases like popular culture, high culture, and workplace culture. A helpful memory image is a field of crops representing nurturing ideas and habits.
Usage Reminders
- Culture is often uncountable when talking about shared practices, but you can say 'cultures' when comparing groups.
- In everyday English, culture is not a verb for gardening; use 'cultivate' or 'culturing' only in science contexts.
- Watch for collocations: culture shock, popular culture, workplace culture.
- Culture can refer to both social behavior and artistic achievements; check the context to pick the right meaning.
- The science sense uses 'culture' with nouns like bacteria; memorize 'culture media'.
Common Misconceptions
- Culture is only about arts and museums.
- Culture equals civilization or 'the old times' only.
- Culture is a fixed thing that never changes.
- Culture and education are the same thing.
- Culture can be grown in a garden like plants.
Thinking Differences
Culture in English often spans many domains at once, so learners must parse context carefully. They may assume culture only means arts or only means civilization, missing the social and scientific senses. Mistakes include mixing cultural terms with behavioral norms from one group when discussing global topics, or confusing 'culture' with 'cultivation' in everyday talk.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three core senses: social culture, arts/ideas, and scientific culture.
- Pay attention to collocations like culture shock and workplace culture.
- Differentiate between 'culture' as a noun and its rare verb uses in science.
- Study phrases with cultural qualifiers: popular culture, high culture, national culture.
- Practice with contexts: anthropology, literature, and biology contexts.
- Visualize culture as an evolving field, not a fixed thing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'culture' refer to?
A.Traditions and customs of a group of people
B.Physical appearance
C.Meteorological conditions
D.Mathematical equations
Step 2: Usage
In what context is the word 'culture' commonly used?
A.Cooking recipes
B.Art and music
C.Science experiments
D.Fashion trends
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'culture'?
A.Technology
B.Isolation
C.Heritage
D.Eradicate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'culture'?
A.Wisdom
B.Empathy
C.Progress
D.Barbarism
Step 5: Mastery
How is 'culture' important in understanding different societies?
A.It helps in creating stereotypes
B.It fosters unity and understanding
C.It promotes discrimination
D.It limits communication
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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