What does "fosterage" mean?
The act of fostering another's child as if it were one's own.
Fosterage
noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of fostering another's child as if it were one's own.
- Grammar: fosterage is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: fostering, abetment, advocacy, aegis.
- Useful contrasts: abandonment, neglect.
- Usage evidence: […] it was worthy of extraordinary note, how that upstart family of the Kings of Pergamus had raised it selfe to marvellous greatnesse, in very short space, from the condition of meere slavery: whereof a principall cause was, the brotherly love maintained by them, with singular commendation of their pietie. Neither was Philip ignorant of these examples; but is said to have propounded the last of them, to his owne children, as a patterne for them to imitate. Certainely hee had reason so to doe: not more in regard of the benefit which his enemies reaped by their concord, than in remembrance of the tender fosterage, wherewith King Antigonus his Tutor had faithfully cherished him in his minoritie.
How to use "fosterage"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "fosterage" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "fosterage" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "fosterage" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "fosterage" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "fosterage" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "fostering" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "fosterage", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of fostering another's child as if it were one's own. countable, uncountable
"[…] it was worthy of extraordinary note, how that upstart family of the Kings of Pergamus had raised it selfe to marvellous greatnesse, in very short space, from the condition of meere slavery: whereof a principall cause was, the brotherly love maintained by them, with singular commendation of their pietie. Neither was Philip ignorant of these examples; but is said to have propounded the last of them, to his owne children, as a patterne for them to imitate. Certainely hee had reason so to doe: not more in regard of the benefit which his enemies reaped by their concord, than in remembrance of the tender fosterage, wherewith King Antigonus his Tutor had faithfully cherished him in his minoritie."
- 2 helping someone grow up to be an accepted member of the community wordnet
- 3 The act of caring for another human being or animal. countable, uncountable
"1660, Robert May, The Accomplisht Cook, London: Obadiah Blagrave, 5th edition, 1685, I do acknowledg my self not to be a little beholding to the Italian and Spanish Treatises; though without my fosterage, and bringing up under the Generosities and Bounties of my Noble Patrons and Masters, I could never have arrived to this Experience."
- 4 encouragement; aiding the development of something wordnet
- 5 The condition of being the foster child. countable, uncountable
"He had not gone one step nearer the lives he had sought to approach nor bridged the restless shame and rancour that had divided him from mother and brother and sister. He felt that he was hardly of the one blood with them but stood to them rather in the mystical kinship of fosterage, fosterchild and fosterbrother."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The act of promoting or encouraging something. countable, uncountable
"The effect of a duelling spirit, on the heart that nourishes it, is of a most deplorable character. This self-vindicating spirit, gradually destroys a man’s confidence in the integrity, intelligence, and enlightened impartiality of those around him. […] he will heed as little the lofty generous enterprises that kindle upon the moral world, as a caverned bear the luminous expanse of the glittering heaven. The spirit which he fosters has this tendency, and if the fosterage is persevered in, will have this effect."
Antonyms
Example
"[…] it was worthy of extraordinary note, how that upstart family of the Kings of Pergamus had raised it selfe to marvellous greatnesse, in very short space, from the condition of meere slavery: whereof a principall cause was, the brotherly love maintained by them, with singular commendation of their pietie. Neither was Philip ignorant of these examples; but is said to have propounded the last of them, to his owne children, as a patterne for them to imitate. Certainely hee had reason so to doe: not more in regard of the benefit which his enemies reaped by their concord, than in remembrance of the tender fosterage, wherewith King Antigonus his Tutor had faithfully cherished him in his minoritie."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "fosterage"?
Common synonyms include: fostering, abetment, advocacy, aegis, auspices, backing.
How do you use "fosterage" in a sentence?
[…] it was worthy of extraordinary note, how that upstart family of the Kings of Pergamus had raised it selfe to marvellous greatnesse, in very short space, from the condition of meere slavery: whereof a principall cause was, the brotherly love maintained by them, with singular commendation of their pietie. Neither was Philip ignorant of these examples; but is said to have propounded the last of them, to his owne children, as a patterne for them to imitate. Certainely hee had reason so to doe: not more in regard of the benefit which his enemies reaped by their concord, than in remembrance of the tender fosterage, wherewith King Antigonus his Tutor had faithfully cherished him in his minoritie.
Etymology
From foster + -age.