Encouraged
/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence; to give support to.
/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒd/
To give support, confidence, or hope to someone.
The coach encouraged his team to never give up.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is feeling down about a test. You tell them they can do it, you believe in them, and that's encouraging them. You are like a cheerleader for their confidence!
👶 For kids: To help someone feel good and brave, like when you tell a friend they can do something hard.
More Examples
She encouraged her friend to follow her dreams.
Positive feedback encouraged the artist to continue painting.
How It's Used
"I encouraged her to apply for the job."
"The teacher encouraged the students to participate in class."
To promote, stimulate, or make more likely.
/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒd/
To help or stimulate something.
The government encouraged the use of electric vehicles through subsidies.
💡 Simply: Imagine the government wants people to use buses instead of cars, so they lower bus fares. This 'encourages' more people to use public transport—like giving plants the water they need to grow bigger.
👶 For kids: To help something happen, like giving a plant water to help it grow.
More Examples
The warm weather encouraged the growth of the plants.
Positive reviews encouraged sales.
How It's Used
"Tax breaks are designed to encourage investment."
"The government encouraged the use of public transport."
From Middle English encoragen, from Old French encoragier ('to embolden, encourage'), from en- (from Latin in-) + corage ('courage').
Historically, 'encourage' has been used to convey the act of instilling courage or providing support to someone or something, dating back to its Old French roots. It's usage has remained quite consistent.
Memory tip
Think of a cheerleading squad. They encourage the team to play better!
Word Origin
"To embolden or hearten; to give courage to."