Encourage

/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence; to stimulate by assistance, approval, or support.

Teachers encourage their students to explore their interests.

to promote, or foster an activity or development.

The charity aims to encourage literacy among children.

to give support, confidence, or hope to someone.

Her friends encouraged her to pursue her dreams despite the challenges.

to foster something, such as behavior or activity.

The new policies are designed to encourage environmental sustainability.

to persuade someone to do something.

He encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.

Middle English, from Old French 'encorager', from 'en-' (make) + 'corage' (courage)

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.

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.

pump up

The coach was there to pump up the team before the game.

root for

I always root for my friends to succeed.