Encourage

Definition

Encourage is a verb that means to give support, confidence, or hope to someone. It can also refer to the act of promoting or stimulating an activity or behavior.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ/
• Respelling: in-KUR-ij

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/
• Respelling: in-KUH-rij

Etymology

The word "encourage" originates from the Old French "encoragier," meaning "to make strong or hearten," which itself comes from "en-" (to make) and "corage" (heart). The term entered Middle English with the meaning of inspiring or uplifting others.

Derivatives

• Encouragement (noun)
• Encouraging (adjective)
• Encourager (noun)
• Encouragingly (adverb)
• Unencouraged (adjective)

Synonyms

• Support
• Inspire
• Motivate

Antonyms

• Discourage
• Dissuade
• Hinder

Usage

The verb "encourage" is commonly used to describe acts of giving positive reinforcement or motivation, as in "The teacher encouraged her students to ask questions." It is also used in the context of promoting actions or behaviors, such as "They aim to encourage recycling in the community."

Related Terms

• Motivation: The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
• Inspiration: The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something.
• Support: To give assistance, approval, or backing to someone or something.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To give support or confidence to someone: Refers to the act of uplifting or reassuring someone, often to help them achieve something.
  • Example: "Her friends encouraged her to pursue her dreams."
• To promote or stimulate an activity or behavior: Refers to the act of fostering certain actions or practices.
  • Example: "The campaign encourages people to adopt sustainable practices."
• To make something more likely or possible: Used when referring to creating conditions that support or favor an outcome.
  • Example: "The warm climate encourages the growth of tropical plants."