encourage · verb T /enˈkɜr.ɪdʒ/
Word family
Nouns: encouragement, discouragement
Adjectives: encouraging, discouraging
Verbs: encourage, discourage
encourage (MAKE MORE LIKELY)
B1 to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more likely to happen
Dictionary examples:
We were encouraged to learn foreign languages in school.
Cutting back plants will encourage new growth.
Learner example:
I thought it would be great to go and I encouraged them to do it. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)
encourage (GIVE CONFIDENCE)
B1 to give someone confidence or hope
Dictionary example:
My parents encouraged me when things weren't going well at school.
Learner example:
We went into the ward and looked at her thinking all the happy thoughts we had with her and trying to encourage her to live. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)
