Definition of Encourage
Quick Meaning of Encourage
To inspire or motivate someone to try or do something.
Detailed Definition of Encourage
To give someone confidence or support to do something; to make something more likely to happen.
How to Pronounce Encourage
Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).
Tip: The stress falls on the second syllable: in-CUR-ij. The final 'age' sound is like 'ij' in 'judge'.
Watch out: Sometimes mispronounced as en-COUR-age with stress on the second syllable only; it also has secondary stress on the first.
Origin and Etymology of Encourage
From Old French 'encoragier' (en- + courage).
How to Use Encourage in a Sentence
Each example shows “encourage” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“My teacher encouraged me to enter the writing competition.”
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“The company encourages its employees to develop new skills.”
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“These statistics encourage further research into renewable energy.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Encourage
Common Synonyms for Encourage
Smart Synonyms for Encourage — When to Use Each
- motivate
- When emphasizing emotional drive or inner determination
- inspire
- When the encouragement creates new ideas or ambitions
Antonyms of Encourage
Common Collocations with Encourage
These phrases pair with “encourage” in everyday English:
- encourage participation
- encourage learning
- encourage innovation
- encourage team members
- strongly encourage
Common Mistakes When Using Encourage
Even fluent speakers slip up with “encourage”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The coach encouraged the team playing harder.
- ✓ Correct: The coach encouraged the team to play harder.
- Why: Encourage + object requires to-infinitive, not gerund form.
- ✗ Wrong: We encourage the students about this project.
- ✓ Correct: We encourage students to work on this project.
- Why: Use preposition 'to' for action, not 'about'.
Other Forms of Encourage
- Noun: encouragement
- Adjective: encouraging
Frequently Asked Questions About Encourage
What is the meaning of "Encourage"?
To inspire or motivate someone to try or do something.
How do you pronounce "Encourage"?
The IPA is /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/. The stress falls on the second syllable: in-CUR-ij. The final 'age' sound is like 'ij' in 'judge'.
What part of speech is "Encourage"?
"Encourage" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Encourage"?
Common synonyms include motivate, inspire, promote.
How do you use "Encourage" in a sentence?
For example: "My teacher encouraged me to enter the writing competition."