Learner’s Word of the Day=>Encourage

An English Language
Learner’s Word of the Day

encourage   

 

Function: verb [with object]

Inflected forms:
encourages; encouraged; encouraging

Meanings:
1 : to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident
Examples:
<They encouraged us in our work.>
<Encourage each other with kind words.>

Note: This sense of encourage is often used as (be) encouraged.
Examples:
<We were encouraged by their enthusiasm.>
<Researchers are encouraged by the findings.>
<I am encouraged that the project seems to be moving ahead.>

Note: This sense of encourage is sometimes followed by to + verb.
Example:
<We were encouraged to learn of their enthusiasm.>

2 a : to make (something) more appealing or more likely to happen
Examples:
<The program is meant to encouragesavings.>
<Warm weather encourages plant growth.>
<He claims the new regulations willencourage investment.>

2 b : to make (someone) more likely to dosomething
Examples:
<He claims the new regulations willencourage people to invest.>
<We want to encourage students to readmore.>

: to tell or advise (someone) to dosomething
Examples:
<My parents encouraged me to go back to college.>
<They encouraged her to go.>

Derived form:
encouraged adjective 
Comparative and superlative forms: more encouraged; most encouraged
Example:
<Our early success left us feeling hopeful and encouraged.>