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: reassure, hearten, embolden
   Antonyms: dishearten, discourage

2. to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc..

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

   Synonyms: help, aid, support, urge

3. to promote, advance, or foster.

   Poverty often encourages crime.

encourage

/ ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ /

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

Other Word Forms

• encouragingly adverb
• encouragement noun
• encouraging adjective
• encourager noun
• overencourage verb (used with object)
• preencourage verb (used with object)
• reencourage verb (used with object)
• unencouraged adjective
• unencouraging adjective
• well-encouraged adjective

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. )

Example Sentences

That’s not exactly encouraging news since Colorado’s collection of prospects ranks in the bottom seven in baseball in multiple surveys.

From Los Angeles Times

In partnership with primary schools, children are given instruments and encouraged to develop their musical ability.

From BBC

Uber said it has seen encouraging initial interest in the program.

From Los Angeles Times

Following stories that are important to local communities tends to reduce partisanship and political polarization by encouraging voters to make choices based on how a candidate’s policies might affect local conditions.

From Salon

Whether I was in bed, at the pool, or lying on my private patio, the thoughtfully designed spaces always encouraged me to look out and up.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advocate 
• aid 
• assist 
• bolster 
• boost 
• develop 
• ease 
• favor 
• further 
• improve 
• invite 
• promote 
• reassure 
• reinforce 
• spur 
• strengthen 
• subsidize 
• support