ENGLISH
REFERENCE

encouraging

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ɛnˈkɝɪdʒɪŋ// UK //ɛnkˈʌɹɪdʒɪŋ// en·cour·ag·ing

adj. giving you hope or confidence that something will be successful. You use this when you see signs that things are going well.

adj. giving hope or promise of success; heartening. Often functions as a participial adjective describing a situation, result, or person's words.


SIMPLE

The doctor gave me some encouraging news about my health.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher wrote an encouraging note on the student's essay to help build their confidence for the final exam.

COMPLEX

Despite the initial setbacks, the preliminary sales figures for the new product line are highly encouraging, suggesting a strong market appetite for sustainable alternatives.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Commonly used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Pitfall

I am very encouraging about the futureI am very encouraged about the futureLearners often confuse the -ing form (the thing that gives hope) with the -ed form (the person who feels the hope).

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