encourage - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
encourage Word Meanings
- to give support or confidence to someone
- to motivate someone to do something
- to promote a positive outcome
encourage Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
encourage Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/
US
/ɪnˈkɜrɪdʒ/
encourage Word Etymology
en- = cause to, courage = heart/spirit; Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a coach inspiring a team, instilling bravery and heart in every player, pushing them to victory!
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean in, place a hand on my friend's shoulder, and give a small nod to set the moment moving. I feel the effort to keep my voice steady as I push them a little toward trying something new. The breath tightens in my chest, and I adjust my grip and tone until it feels right. That tiny turn in how I speak and act carries them forward into real effort, and the result shows in their confident step.
Real Context
Encourage means to give support, confidence, or motivation to someone to try or persist, often by affirming their abilities or reminding them of possible positive outcomes. It can involve praise, reassurance, or practical help, and it typically targets a person or a group to take action. Unlike simply telling someone to do something, encouragement helps overcome doubt and builds resilience by combining belief in the person with specific next steps. It is commonly used in education, sports, work, and personal relationships, and it often implies warmth and genuine concern rather than pressure.
Usage Reminders
- - Use with to: encourage someone to try, not encourage doing something alone.
- - Pair encouragement with concrete steps or resources.
- - Keep the tone warm and sincere, not sarcastic.
- - Differentiate encouragement from nagging or pressuring.
- - Consider the context: sports, school, work all use encouragement differently.
Common Misconceptions
- Encourage is the same as persuade or coerce.
- Praise alone guarantees a positive outcome.
- Encouragement always means loud cheering.
- Encourage only means telling someone what to do.
- Encouragement must be explicit and obvious.
Thinking Differences
Encourage in English emphasizes support and belief in a person’s ability, often paired with clear next steps. Learners may mistake it for mere praise or think it always means loud encouragement; they should remember the ‘to do’ structure (encourage someone to do something) and its warmth over pressure.
Learning Tips
- Differentiate encourage from persuade; use context to decide tone.
- Practice with 'encourage + someone + to + verb' structure.
- Pair encouragement with actionable steps, not vague praise.
- Use in varied contexts: sports, study, work, friendships.
- Avoid sarcasm or patronizing tone when encouraging others.
- Record and compare sentences to notice nuances between 'encourage' and similar verbs.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'encourage' mean?
A.To inspire
B.To discourage
C.To confuse
D.To ignore
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'encourage' correctly?
A.She always encourages him to give up on his dreams.
B.Their criticism was an encouragement for her to quit.
C.He encouraged her to keep working hard towards her goal.
D.They always encouraged each other to fail
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'encourage'?
A.Derail
B.Discourage
C.Motivate
D.Ignore
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'encourage'?
A.Hinder
B.Support
C.Facilitate
D.Ignore
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'encourage' would be appropriate?
A.In a classroom setting to motivate students
B.In a bank to withdraw money
C.In a restaurant to order food
D.In a library to borrow books
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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