encourage
word
/ɛnˈkɝɪdʒ/
en-KUR-ij
/ɛnkˈʌɹɪdʒ/
en-KUH-rij
Definition
To give someone confidence, support, or hope so they feel able to do something. It can also mean to help make an activity or development more likely.
Usage & Nuances
Often followed by an object + infinitive: 'encourage someone to try'. Common in supportive, educational, and professional contexts. It can also be used for policies or conditions: 'The program encourages exercise'. Stronger and more active than simply 'support'.
Spanish: animar - fomentarPortuguese (BR): encorajar - incentivarPortuguese (PT): encorajar - incentivarChinese (Simplified): 鼓励 - 促进Chinese (Traditional): 鼓勵 - 促進Hindi: प्रोत्साहित करना - बढ़ावा देनाArabic: يشجّع - يحفّزBengali: উৎসাহ দেওয়া - অনুপ্রাণিত করাRussian: поощрять - поддерживать - способствоватьJapanese: 励ます - 勧めるVietnamese: khuyến khích - động viênKorean: 격려하다 - 장려하다Turkish: teşvik etmek - cesaretlendirmekUrdu: حوصلہ افزائی کرنا - ہمت دیناIndonesian: mendorong - menyemangati
Example Sentences
My parents encourage me to read every day.
basic
Good teachers encourage students to ask questions.
basic
The new app encourages healthy habits.
basic
She always encouraged me when I felt like giving up.
natural
We want to encourage more people to use public transport.
natural
Honestly, hearing that really encouraged me.
natural