Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

encourage

[en-kur-ij, -kuhr-]

verb (used with object)

encouraged, encouraging 
  1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.

    His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

    Synonyms: , ,
    Antonyms: ,
  2. to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc..

    One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

    Synonyms: , , ,
  3. to promote, advance, or foster.

    Poverty often encourages crime.



encourage

/ ɪˈʌɪ /

verb

  1. to inspire (someone) with the courage or confidence (to do something)

  2. to stimulate (something or someone to do something) by approval or help; support

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • encourager noun
  • encouragingly adverb
  • overencourage verb (used with object)
  • preencourage verb (used with object)
  • reencourage verb (used with object)
  • unencouraged adjective
  • unencouraging adjective
  • well-encouraged adjective
  • ˈdzܰԲ adverb
  • ˈdzܰ𳾱Գ noun
  • ˈdzܰԲ adjective
  • ˈdzܰ noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of encourage1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English encoragen, from Anglo-French, Middle French encorag(i)er; en- 1 ( def. ), courage ( def. )
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He made an encouraging start to this match, fending off a break point before securing the break himself at 3-3.

From

Detectives investigating online posts relating to the disorder have charged a 32-year-old man with sending menacing messages through a public electronic communications network and encouraging or assisting offences.

From

They don't care that their rhetoric could serve to encourage would-be terrorists.

From

“He’s pain-free. When we start that build-up, it should be soon. He’s already moving around. We all feel encouraged where he’s at right now, as far as the pain.”

From

Brymer recommends encouraging them to continue to go to school and summer activities if possible, and to participate in their typical social events.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


encounter sessionencouragement