# encourage

/ɛnˈkɝɪdʒ/ (US) · /ɛnkˈʌɹɪdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/encourage
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to give confidence

verb · CEFR B1

to give someone hope or confidence so they feel they can succeed.

For teachers: to provide someone with the courage, spirit, or confidence necessary to pursue a goal.

- My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when things were difficult.
- The mentor's positive feedback encouraged the young researcher to persevere with her experiments despite the initial setbacks.

Usage: Takes a direct object followed by a 'to-infinitive' clause.

### 2. to recommend or spur on

verb · CEFR B1

to suggest that someone should do something because it is a good idea.

For teachers: to strongly recommend a specific course of action or to spur someone toward a decision.

- The doctor encouraged him to eat more vegetables and exercise every day.
- The government is encouraging citizens to switch to electric vehicles by offering significant tax incentives and subsidies.

### 3. to foster or help grow

verb · CEFR B2

to help something happen or develop.

For teachers: to promote, foster, or stimulate the development and growth of a process or activity.

- The new laws were designed to encourage investment in small businesses.
- Warm weather and high humidity encourage the growth of various types of fungi in the forest.

## Examples

- My parents always encourage me to try new things.
- The teacher spoke to the student after class to encourage her to apply for the scholarship.
- The government introduced new tax breaks specifically designed to encourage small business owners to invest in sustainable energy solutions for their offices.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.