The word 'fostering' means to encourage and promote the development of something, such as a skill, feeling, or idea.
The word 'nurturing' means to care for and encourage the growth or development of a person or thing.
Both words share the core meaning of actively supporting and promoting growth, making them strong synonyms.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: Safeguarding means to protect from harm or damage. While it is a form of care, it does not carry the primary meaning of promoting development, which is central to 'fostering'.
Option C: Neglecting is an antonym (opposite) of fostering. It means to fail to care for or to not pay proper attention to something.
Option D: Ignoring is also an antonym of fostering. It means to deliberately refuse to take notice of or acknowledge something.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Synonyms and Vocabulary as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
In nursing, fostering a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is crucial. This involves nurturing trust, encouraging patient participation in their care, and promoting a healing environment.
A nurturing attitude helps in pediatric and geriatric care, where patients are more vulnerable and require emotional support alongside physical care.
What if the question asked for an antonym? In that case, both 'Neglecting' and 'Ignoring' would be correct choices as they represent the opposite of providing care and support.
How to Approach the Question
First, understand the meaning of the word given in the question. 'Fostering' means to encourage development.
Next, analyze the meaning of each option provided.
Eliminate the options that are antonyms (opposites). In this case, 'Neglecting' and 'Ignoring' are clear opposites.
Compare the remaining options. 'Safeguarding' means protecting, while 'Nurturing' means encouraging growth.
Select the option with the closest meaning. 'Nurturing' is the most direct synonym for 'fostering'.
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Synonyms and Vocabulary
Stem keywords: Synonym, FOSTERING
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
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Practise the full UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.