Encouragement
n.hopeful, kindwarm
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.
Choose between these
6- playful
when a quick lift in confidence suits casual speech
not when Boost is vague about what was given and can sound temporary.
- warm
when easing anxiety is the principal need
not when Reassurance settles fear but may not strengthen effort.
- warm
when help is broad, practical, or ongoing
not when Support may provide resources while never addressing courage or hope.
- professional
when drive toward a goal is being analyzed
not when Motivation names an internal force and can arise from punishment or competition.
- formal
exhortation
when forceful spoken urging is meant
not when Exhortation is more commanding and less gentle than encouragement.
- literary
when an event or sign itself creates hope
not when Heartening names a quality or effect, not the support offered by a person.
Said against
4- discouragement
- criticism
- deterrence
- demoralization
It naturally appears in
3- words of encouragement
Her words of encouragement named the progress without denying the difficulty.
- gentle encouragement
With gentle encouragement, the rescued dog approached the open gate.
- need encouragement
New volunteers may need encouragement before leading their first session.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English noun, sense naming the act or result of encouraging 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.