What is foster? Pronunciation and usage in English

foster means . Learn how to pronounce and use foster through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of foster

fosterverb

/ˈfɒstə(r)//ˈfɑːstər/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "foster." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈfoʊstər/

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈ (This is a primary stress mark. It means the first syllable is the most emphasized part of the word.)
  • foh – Like the sound in "foe" or "low." Think of a short, clear "oh" sound.
  • stər – Like "stir" but with a very short "er" sound at the end. It’s almost like a schwa sound (that neutral vowel sound you hear in words like "about").

Here's a breakdown of what people often struggle with:

  • The "f" sound: Don’t pronounce it as a strong "f." It’s a softer “f,” almost like a “v” sound.
  • The "ster" ending: This is where most people stumble. Don't say "stair" or "star." Really keep that "er" short and neutral.

Resources to help you hear it:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, would you like me to:

  • Record my own pronunciation for you to compare?

Usage and examples with the word foster in English

Let's break down how to use the word "foster" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage - Caring for and Supporting)

  • Meaning: To nurture, encourage, or support the growth or development of something (or someone). It implies providing a positive environment.
  • Examples:
    • "The teacher fosters a love of reading in her students." (encouraging)
    • "Parents should foster their child’s creativity." (nurturing)
    • "The company aims to foster a collaborative work environment." (supporting)
    • "Mentors often foster the growth of their mentees." (helping to develop)

2. As a Verb (Specifically – Animal Care)

  • Meaning: To provide a home and care for an animal, usually temporarily, until a permanent owner is found. This is often used in the context of animal shelters and rescue organizations.
  • Examples:
    • “We foster dogs for the local shelter.” (providing temporary care)
    • "The organization fosters abandoned kittens." (caring for neglected animals)
    • "He decided to foster a rescue puppy." (taking on temporary guardianship)

3. As a Noun (Related to Animal Care)

  • Meaning: A person who provides temporary care for an animal.
  • Examples:
    • “The foster family cared for the dog while it waited for a new home.” (the people providing care)
    • “We’re looking for more fosters to help us care for the animals.” (people offering to foster)

4. As a Noun (More General - Promoting Growth/Development)

  • Meaning: A condition or environment conducive to growth, development, or progress. This is a slightly more formal usage.
  • Examples:
    • "Good leadership fosters innovation." (creates an environment for it)
    • “The policy fosters diversity.” (promotes variety)
    • “The new regulations foster competition.” (encourages competition)

Key Differences & Subtle Nuances:

  • “Nurture” vs. “Foster”: Both relate to care, but “nurture” often implies a more emotional and direct involvement. “Foster” suggests a more supportive and enabling environment.
  • Animal Care vs. General Growth: Be mindful of the context! When talking about animals, "foster" specifically means providing home care. In other contexts, it's about promoting beneficial conditions.

Here’s a quick table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To nurture/encourage growth Foster a good attitude
Verb To provide care for animals Foster a rescue dog
Noun A person providing animal care The foster parent
Noun A favorable condition for growth Foster innovation in the workplace

Resources for More Examples:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use “foster” in? (e.g., a sentence, a story, a discussion about animal welfare?)

Synonyms for the word foster

Practice with vocabulary foster

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university aims to __________ a spirit of critical inquiry and intellectual curiosity among its students.
  2. The management team decided to __________ a new policy aimed at increasing employee engagement and satisfaction.
  3. Effective leadership is crucial to __________ a cohesive team environment where everyone feels valued.
  4. After the merger, the companies worked to __________ a unified brand image across all their products and services.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following verbs can be used to describe the act of encouraging the development or growth of something, especially a skill or a positive feeling? a) suppress b) inhibit c) foster d) deter

  2. To create a productive work environment, it is essential to __________. a) cultivate strong communication channels b) discourage innovative ideas c) foster a sense of belonging d) neglect employee well-being

  3. The community project was designed to __________ local talent and provide opportunities for young artists. a) undermine b) promote c) foster d) hinder

  4. Before starting the new venture, the team needed to __________. a) procrastinate on planning b) consolidate their financial resources c) neglect market research d) disregard legal advice

  5. The primary goal of the workshop was to __________. a) impede skill development b) perpetuate outdated practices c) sustain effective learning strategies d) suppress participant engagement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It is important to encourage and support creativity within the team. Rewrite using "foster" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The mentor's guidance was instrumental in helping the intern develop her professional skills. Rewrite using "foster" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The organization aims to develop new partnerships with local businesses. Rewrite NOT using "foster" but using a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. foster
  2. implement
  3. foster
  4. establish

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) foster
  2. a) cultivate, c) foster
  3. b) promote, c) foster
  4. b) consolidate
  5. c) sustain

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is important to foster creativity within the team.
  2. The mentor's guidance was instrumental in fostering the intern's professional development.
  3. The organization aims to establish new partnerships with local businesses.

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