foster
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈfɒstər/
KK: /ˈfɔstər/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the care and upbringing of children who are not biologically or legally related to the caregiver.
Example
The foster family provided a loving home for the children in need.
Conversation
Have you ever thought about what it’s like for foster kids?
Not really, but I imagine it must be tough sometimes.
Yeah, I heard they need a lot of support and love in foster homes.
Definitely! It’s great when people step up to help them.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
nurturing
supportive
encouraging
Antonyms
neglectful
unhelpful
detrimental
transitive verb
Definition
To take care of and help someone or something grow, develop, or improve.
Example
They decided to foster a child in need of a loving home.
Tense Forms
Past: fostered
Past Participle: fostered
Conversation
I really want to foster my creativity this year.
That sounds like a great goal! How do you plan to do that?
I think I might start painting or writing more often to help foster those skills.
Root Explanation
Foster → It originates from Old French *foster* (meaning to nourish or rear) and is related to the Latin *fosterus* (meaning foster or nourisher). The word 'foster' means to nurture or support the growth of someone or something.
Memory Tip
Think of nurturing or caring for someone as if they were your own — that's what 'foster' means.
Visually Confused Words
froster
fooster
foister
forester
flogster
zoster
roster
poster