encourageverb [ T ]
uk/ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒ/us/ɪnˈkɝː.ɪdʒ/B1 to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more likely to happen:
[ T + to infinitive ] We were encouraged to learn foreign languages at school.
The council is encouraging the development of the property for both employment and recreation.
B1 to talk or behave in a way that gives someone confidence to do something:
They've always encouraged me in everything I've wanted to do.
More examples
- The new teaching methods encourage children to think for themselves.
- We encourage the victims to talk freely about their experiences.
- Instead of simply punishing them, the system encourages offenders to modify their behaviour.
- His tutor encouraged him to read widely in philosophy.
- The city council is encouraging jobsharing to make it easier for parents of young children to work.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Encouraging and urging on
- abet
- barrack for sb
- bring
- bring sb out
- buddy
- cheer
- chin
- get in there! idiom
- get out of here! idiom
- good/great/lovely stuff! idiom
- goose
- hide your light under a bushel idiom
- invitation
- mentor
- prepare
- prepare the ground idiom
- prod
- promote
- promotion
- shoulder
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Urging & persuading