What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
agriculture
Example
Agriculture is the backbone of many rural economies. [agriculture: noun]
Example
The farmer studied agriculture in college to learn the latest techniques. [agriculture: noun]
cultivation
Example
The cultivation of rice requires a lot of water and labor. [cultivation: noun]
Example
She has been cultivating her garden for years and it shows. [cultivating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Agriculture is a more common term than cultivation in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts related to farming and agricultural production. Cultivation is more commonly used in specific contexts related to growing and tending to crops.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between agriculture and cultivation?
Agriculture is generally considered a more formal term than cultivation, as it is often used in academic, scientific, and business contexts related to farming and agricultural production. Cultivation is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
