Encouragement
What it means
Support that increases hope, courage, or readiness to keep trying.
Reach for it when naming words or actions that help someone move forward
A quiet note of encouragement reached her before the second interview.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| warm |
|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when a quick lift in confidence suits casual speech
Careful Boost is vague about what was given and can sound temporary.
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warm
Fits when easing anxiety is the principal need
Careful Reassurance settles fear but may not strengthen effort.
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warm
Fits when help is broad, practical, or ongoing
Careful Support may provide resources while never addressing courage or hope.
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professional
Fits when drive toward a goal is being analyzed
Careful Motivation names an internal force and can arise from punishment or competition.
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formal
exhortation
Fits when forceful spoken urging is meant
Careful Exhortation is more commanding and less gentle than encouragement.
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literary
Fits when an event or sign itself creates hope
Careful Heartening names a quality or effect, not the support offered by a person.
Opposites 4
- discouragement
- criticism
- deterrence
- demoralization
Common phrases 3
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words of encouragement
Her words of encouragement named the progress without denying the difficulty.
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gentle encouragement
With gentle encouragement, the rescued dog approached the open gate.
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need encouragement
New volunteers may need encouragement before leading their first session.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated