Culture

Definition

Culture is a noun that refers to the customs, social practices, arts, beliefs, and values of a particular society, community, or group. It encompasses knowledge, language, rituals, and traditions that are passed down through generations, shaping the identity and way of life of a people.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʌltʃər/
• Respelling: KUHL-chur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkʌltʃə/
• Respelling: KUHL-chuh

Etymology

The word "culture" originates from the Latin "cultura," meaning "cultivation" or "care," derived from "colere," which means "to cultivate." Initially used in English to describe agricultural practices, its meaning expanded in the 18th century to refer to the intellectual and social development of societies.

Derivatives

• Cultural (adjective)
• Enculturation (noun)
• Subculture (noun)
• Culturally (adverb)
• Multicultural (adjective)

Synonyms

• Civilization
• Tradition
• Heritage

Antonyms

• Ignorance
• Barbarism
• Isolation

Usage

The term "culture" is often used to describe the shared practices, values, and expressions that define a group, such as "Japanese culture emphasizes respect and harmony." In academic contexts, it refers to the study of social behaviors, language, and art forms that shape societal identities.

Related Terms

• Society: An organized group of individuals who share a common culture.
• Tradition: Customs or beliefs passed down within a culture.
• Norms: Established standards or behaviors commonly observed within a culture.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or social group: Refers to the collective identity and practices of a group.
  • Example: "Mexican culture is rich in art and history."
• The attitudes and behaviors characteristic of a particular social group: Describes specific practices or shared values that distinguish a group within a larger society.
  • Example: "Corporate culture can greatly impact employee satisfaction."
• The cultivation of bacteria, tissue cells, etc., in an artificial medium for scientific study: In scientific contexts, it denotes the process of growing organisms in controlled environments.
  • Example: "The laboratory conducted a culture of the bacteria to study its properties."