Emotions / A2

in-KUR-ij/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/

To encourage is to give someone confidence to do something. Encourage someone to + verb. The opposite is discourage. Encouragement is the noun. It is kinder than tell or force — you support, you do not order.

Meaning

To give someone hope or confidence to do something.

Examples

• “My parents encouraged me to keep learning.”
• “Teachers should encourage questions.”
• “Her words encouraged me to try again.”

Good to know

encourage someone to + verb. Opposite: discourage.

Near in meaning

support

Topics

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