encourage
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
encourages;
encouraged;
encouraging
encourages;
encouraged;
encouraging
Britannica Dictionary definition of ENCOURAGE
[+ object]
1
:
to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident
— often used as (be) encouraged
— sometimes followed by to + verb
—
opposite discourage
-
They encouraged us in our work.
-
Encourage each other with kind words.
-
We were encouraged by their enthusiasm.
-
Researchers are encouraged by the findings.
-
I am encouraged that the project seems to be moving ahead.
-
We were encouraged to learn of their enthusiasm.
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
:
to tell or advise (someone) to do something
—
opposite discourage
-
He claims the new regulations will encourage people to invest.
-
We want to encourage students to read more.
-
My parents encouraged me to go back to college.
-
They encouraged her to go.
— encouraged
adjective [more encouraged; most encouraged]-
Our early success left us feeling hopeful and encouraged.
