Meaning of the word encourage in English

What does encourage mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

encourage

US /ɪnˈkɝː.ɪdʒ/

UK /ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒ/

give support, confidence, or hope to (someone)

Example:

•

We encourage students to read widely.

•

His parents always encouraged him in his studies.

Synonym:

inspire motivate stimulate hearten embolden

cause (something) to develop or happen

Example:

•

The warm weather encouraged the plants to grow.

•

The new policy will encourage investment in the region.

Synonym:

promote foster further advance facilitate

Related Word:

encouraging encouragement