foster
Pronunciation: FAWS-ter
verb
Definition of foster
To encourage the development of something
Synonyms for foster
foster in a Sentence
- The mentoring program was designed to foster leadership skills in young people.
Why foster Matters for GRE & SAT
"foster" is a verb that means "To encourage the development of something" closely related to words like "encourage", "promote", "cultivate". As a word starting with F, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "foster" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "foster" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (verb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "foster" into long-term memory.
How to Remember foster
One effective way to remember "foster" (verb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "encourage" and "promote" and "cultivate". When you encounter "foster" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "To encourage the development of something".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "foster" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with F
- fabricate — invent in order to deceive
- facetious — treating serious issues with inappropriate humor
- facilitate — To make an action or process easier
- facilitate — To make an action or process easier
- factious — causing division or disagreement
- factor — A circumstance or element that contributes to a result
- factor — A circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result
- fallacious — false or mistaken
- fallacy — A mistaken belief based on unsound reasoning
- fallible — capable of making an error