verb

• 1Give support, confidence, or hope to (someone)

  ‘we were encouraged by the success of this venture’

  More example sentences

  • ‘The public hearing provided an opportunity and a faint ray of hope that encouraged women.’
  • ‘We are encouraged to hear that confidence, but can I pick you up on a word you have used, and I hope you do not mind me doing so.’
  • ‘We hope it will encourage people who would normally not consider travelling by train.’
  • ‘I hope that you are encouraged that no one has considered the idea of looking on the web for your product.’
  • ‘I hope this goes some way to calming the situation down, and I hope the support you've had encourages you!’
  • ‘She spent years promoting and encouraging him, while Valentino made one bad decision after another.’
  • ‘She was also praised for her commitment to promoting the game and encouraging new players.’
  • ‘This story is part of an encouraging trend which sees residents taking charge of their neighbourhood facilities.’
  • ‘We shall see what happens, but I am greatly encouraged by this response.’
  • ‘Turtle's managing director, Jeremy Turtle, has been greatly encouraged by the response from residents.’
  • ‘In fact, he is very encouraged by the growing success of local theatre.’
  • ‘"We are encouraged by our third quarter results, " he said.’
  • ‘While this is encouraging what is urgently needed is a mechanism that will translate words into concrete measures.’
  • ‘We're very encouraged by progress that's being made in many Asian countries.’
  • ‘Fernandez's comeback continues, and the team is encouraged by his progress.’
  • ‘They were encouraged by his progress and the lack of any infection in his lacerations.’
  • ‘The number of first time donors at this Clinic was very noticeable, which is encouraging for the future.’
  • ‘While the plans are encouraging for the future of the Hub, they are small in financial terms and scale.’
  • ‘Since it was first launched in Namibia in 1991, there have been encouraging developments.’

  Synonyms

  hearten, cheer, buoy up, uplift, inspire, motivate, egg on, spur on, stir, stir up, whip up, fire up, stimulate, animate, invigorate, vitalize, revitalize, embolden, fortify, rally, incite

  promising, hopeful, auspicious, propitious, favourable, bright, rosy, cheerful, full of promise

  supportive, reassuring, affirmative, sympathetic, sensitive, understanding, helpful

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  1. 1.1with object and infinitive Persuade (someone) to do or continue to do something by giving support and advice.
     ‘pupils are encouraged to be creative’
     More example sentences

     • ‘We must also encourage more students and journalists to pursue broadcast opinion writing as a career.’
     • ‘The reader is actively encouraged to take back control over her own health.’
     • ‘The aim was not only to promote the sport but also encourage more visitors to attend these high profile events.’
     • ‘All residents are asked to make an effort to support this initiative and children are also encouraged to participate.’
     • ‘Despite the dangers, some parents actively encourage their children to take part in the street clashes.’
     • ‘Higher education carries much prestige, and parents strongly encourage children to earn their diplomas.’
     • ‘All are welcome and new members are particularly encouraged to attend.’
     • ‘"Teachers have always encouraged students to talk and think for themselves.’
     • ‘Young boys are always encouraged to participate in sports.’
     • ‘Viewers were encouraged to participate at home and up to 10,000 people called a special helpline during the show.’
     • ‘The next meeting is on Thursday, April 7 at 9.30 pm and all local residents are encouraged to attend.’
     • ‘Readers are encouraged to submit articles to share their challenges and successes with colleagues.’
     • ‘Lets hope this great result encourages youngsters across Scotland to take up the sport themselves.’
     • ‘Residents are encouraged to join together in a bid to reduce crime in their community this winter.’
     • ‘I encourage anyone interested in ancient history to consider Turkey for their next travel destination.’
     • ‘I would encourage anyone else interested in this debate to try and get their hands on a copy as well.’
     • ‘Researchers from all fields of the behavioral and social sciences are encouraged to apply.’
     • ‘Students and teachers from all disciplines who can speak basic English are encouraged to apply.’
     • ‘People who have concerns are encouraged to contact their local Medical Officer of Health.’
     • ‘Scouts are encouraged to contact their group leaders if they would like to participate.’
     • ‘Interested drivers are encouraged to contact teams to reserve time in the cars in advance.’
     • ‘That's not our job, our job is not to encourage gambling.’
     Synonyms

     persuade, coax, urge, press, push, pressure, pressurize, exhort, spur, prod, goad, egg on, prompt, influence, sway

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  2. 1.2Stimulate the development of (an activity, state, or belief)
     ‘the intention is to encourage new writing talent’
     More example sentences

     • ‘Hens enjoy scratching, preening and dustbathing and the deep straw covered floor encourages these social activities.’
     • ‘Instead, the child is introduced to a story that encourages positive beliefs about self and others.’
     • ‘The scoring system encourages activity - the more you play, the better you will score.’
     • ‘It would also encourage the development of new tourism activities in the region.’
     • ‘She continually encourages growth, development and autonomy of all members of her team.’
     • ‘The poverty campaign is all about encouraging development in Africa.’
     • ‘Its widespread adoption encouraged the development of other methods of physical diagnosis.’
     • ‘This is generally accepted as beneficial in that it encourages innovation and competition.’
     • ‘This means that rising prices encourage competition, but falling prices do not.’
     • ‘They have to balance between protecting their profits and encouraging economic growth.’
     • ‘The substance releases the minerals into the teeth, encouraging the growth of new enamel.’
     • ‘Vaccination against all childhood diseases has been strongly encouraged by the government.’
     • ‘Positive role models for underrepresented cultures may encourage more participation in leadership roles among underrepresented students.’
     • ‘His actions would have been completely legal - even encouraged by the Dutch government.’
     • ‘The singers' repertoire ranges from sixties pop songs to madrigals and audience participation is always encouraged.’
     • ‘The idea of reducing the refuse collections is a good one, and should help encourage recycling.’
     • ‘Such autonomy encourages what to him is a desirable element of calculated risk-taking.’
     • ‘Banks encourage what is for them a profitable orgy of borrowing, and luxury imports surge.’
     • ‘The county council trumpets that it wants to encourage cycling.’
     • ‘She added as an afterthought that the government supports campaigns to encourage cycling and walking as healthy forms of transport.’
     • ‘All these factors encourage smoking and do not help efforts to reduce it.’
     • ‘At present society encourages smoking while socialising - - when it discourages it people will adjust.’
     Synonyms

     support, back, endorse, champion, advocate, recommend, promote, further, advance, forward, foster, strengthen, enrich

     View synonyms