encourage
/ɪnˈkɚrɪʤ/
verb
encourages;
encouraged;
encouraging
encourages;
encouraged;
encouraging
Britannica Dictionary definition of ENCOURAGE
[+ object]
1
:
to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident
—
often used as (be) encouraged
-
We were encouraged by their enthusiasm.
-
Researchers are encouraged by the findings.
-
I am encouraged that the project seems to be moving ahead.
—
sometimes followed by to + verb
—
opposite discourage
2
a
:
to make (something) more appealing or more likely to happen
-
The program is meant to encourage savings.
-
Warm weather encourages plant growth.
-
He claims the new regulations will encourage investment.
b
:
to make (someone) more likely to do something
:
to tell or advise (someone) to do something
—
opposite discourage
— encouraged
adjective
[more encouraged; most encouraged]