Meaning & Definition of word "Encourage"
to
Encourage
/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ/
verb:
- 1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence; to stimulate by assistance, approval, or support.
- Example: Teachers encourage their students to explore their interests.
- 2. to promote, or foster an activity or development.
- Example: The charity aims to encourage literacy among children.
- 3. to give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
- Example: Her friends encouraged her to pursue her dreams despite the challenges.
- 4. to foster something, such as behavior or activity.
- Example: The new policies are designed to encourage environmental sustainability.
- 5. to persuade someone to do something.
- Example: He encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'encorager', from 'en-' (make) + 'corage' (courage)
Common Phrases and Expressions
encourage someone to do something:
to urge someone to take a specific action.
encourage the growth of:
to foster the development of something.
encourage creativity:
to support and stimulate creative thinking.
Related Words
courage:
the ability to do something that frightens one.
support:
to bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.
motivation:
the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
Slang Meanings of encourage
Meaning: pump up
Example Sentence: The coach was there to pump up the team before the game.
Meaning: root for
Example Sentence: I always root for my friends to succeed.