Encourage
v.hopeful, kindwarm
What it means
To strengthen someone's hope, confidence, or willingness to continue.
Reach for it when describing support that makes constructive action feel possible
The coach used one precise improvement to encourage another attempt.
Choose between these
7- playful
cheer on
when visible enthusiasm accompanies someone's effort
not when The phrase fits performance and competition better than private uncertainty.
- warm
when reducing fear or doubt is the immediate need
not when Reassurance can calm someone without prompting further action.
- warm
when practical or emotional help is sustained
not when Support can be quiet and structural without directly increasing confidence.
- professional
when conditions are cultivated over time
not when Fostering describes indirect development, not a direct word or act of encouragement.
- professional
when energy toward a goal is the desired effect
not when Motivation may come from pressure, reward, or fear rather than caring encouragement.
- formal
urge
when a strong recommendation should create movement
not when Urging adds pressure and may override the person's own pace.
- literary
when evidence itself restores hope
not when Heartening describes the effect of news or events more naturally than an intentional act.
Said against
4- discourage
- deter
- demoralize
- dishearten
It naturally appears in
3- encourage participation
Childcare and translation will encourage participation from more households.
- encourage someone
A clear first step can encourage someone who feels overwhelmed.
- strongly encourage
The ranger will strongly encourage visitors to carry enough water.
The word family
1Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English verb, verb sense meaning to give courage, hope, or support opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.