en·cour·age
Pronounced:
/ɪnˈkɚrɪʤ/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
en·cour·ag·es; en·cour·aged; en·cour·ag·ingMeaning:
[+ obj] 1 : to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident ▪ They encouraged us in our work. ▪ Encourage each other with kind words. —often used as (be) encouraged ▪ We were encouraged by their enthusiasm. ▪ Researchers are encouraged by the findings. ▪ I am encouraged that the project seems to be moving ahead. —sometimes followed by to + verb ▪ We were encouraged to learn of their enthusiasm. —opposite discourage
2 a : to make (something) more appealing or more likely to happen ▪ The program is meant to encourage savings. ▪ Warm weather encourages plant growth. ▪ He claims the new regulations will encourage investment. b : to make (someone) more likely to do something ▪ He claims the new regulations will encourage people to invest. ▪ We want to encourage students to read more. : to tell or advise (someone) to do something ▪ My parents encouraged me to go back to college. ▪ They encouraged her to go. —opposite discourage
2 a : to make (something) more appealing or more likely to happen ▪ The program is meant to encourage savings. ▪ Warm weather encourages plant growth. ▪ He claims the new regulations will encourage investment. b : to make (someone) more likely to do something ▪ He claims the new regulations will encourage people to invest. ▪ We want to encourage students to read more. : to tell or advise (someone) to do something ▪ My parents encouraged me to go back to college. ▪ They encouraged her to go. —opposite discourage
—encouraged adjective [more encouraged; most encouraged] ▪ Our early success left us feeling hopeful and encouraged.