Meaning & Definition of word "Encourage"

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    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.