What does the term 'foster' mean in the context of nurturing?

In the context of nurturing, the term 'foster' is most accurately defined as to bring up or nurture. This encompasses the idea of caring for someone or something with the intention of encouraging growth and development. When someone fosters a child, for instance, they are providing the necessary support, care, and environment that enables that child to thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. This term implies an active role in encouraging positive development, which is central to the concept of nurturing.

Other choices focus on aspects of development but do not capture the full range of 'foster.' While developing suggests an improvement or advancement, it lacks the relational and caring components intrinsic to nurturing. Supporting emotionally is a part of fostering but is not comprehensive enough to cover the nurturing aspect. Teaching skills is a focused activity that fits within certain nurturing contexts but does not encompass the broader and more holistic meaning of fostering, which includes emotional, physical, and social care.