Encourage Encouraged Young Greatly Extra Examples Verb ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ

• we were greatly encouraged by the positive response of the public.
• she encouraged many young writers and artists.
• my parents have always encouraged me in my choice of career.
• 'you're doing fine,’ he encouraged her.

encourage

Verb Forms

1. to give somebody support, courage or hope
• We were greatly encouraged by the positive response of the public.
• She encouraged many young writers and artists.
• My parents have always encouraged me in my choice of career.
• 'You're doing fine,’ he encouraged her.

Extra Examples

• She especially encouraged young scientists.
• We were greatly encouraged by the support we received.
2. to persuade somebody to do something by making it easier for them and making them believe it is a good thing to do
• Banks actively encouraged people to borrow money.
• I strongly encourage everyone to go and see this important film.
• Speaking your mind is highly encouraged at these sessions.

Extra Examples

• The aim of the campaign is to encourage youngsters not to smoke.
• The new measures are designed to encourage more people to cycle.
3. to make something more likely to happen or develop
• There is a clear case for spending public money on encouraging participation in sport.
• to encourage development/investment/growth
• The government should encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
• They claim that some computer games encourage violent behaviour in young children.
• Music and lighting are used to encourage shoppers to buy more.

Extra Examples

• The government must actively encourage investment in these areas.
• These questions are designed to encourage debate.
• Do toy guns encourage aggression?
• Programmes like this just encourage stereotyping.
• The treaty is aimed at encouraging cooperation between Member States.
• We're looking at ways to encourage recycling.
• Newspapers should not publish material that is likely to encourage discrimination on the grounds of race or colour.

Word Origin

• Middle English (formerly also as incourage): from French encourager, from en- ‘in’ + corage ‘courage’.