# encouraged

/ɛnˈkɝɪdʒd/ (US) · /ɛnkˈʌɹɪdʒd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 2. feeling hopeful

adjective · CEFR B1

feeling more positive or confident about a situation.

For teachers: describing a psychological state of increased optimism or confidence resulting from external support or positive data.

- I felt encouraged by the positive feedback I received on my first draft.
- The board of directors felt encouraged by the quarterly sales figures, which suggested a significant recovery in the European market.

## Examples

- My teacher encouraged me to apply for the new job.
- The government encouraged citizens to save water during the long, dry summer months.
- While the mentor encouraged her protégé to pursue independent research, she also cautioned against neglecting the foundational theories that underpinned their current project.

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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.