encourage

[[t]ɪnkʌ̱rɪʤ, AM -kɜ͟ːr-[/t]]

♦♦

encourages, encouraging, encouraged

1) VERB If you encourage someone, you give them confidence, for example by letting them know that what they are doing is good and telling them that they should continue to do it.

[V n] When things aren't going well, he encourages me, telling me not to give up.

2) VERB: usu passive If someone is encouraged by something that happens, it gives them hope or confidence.

[be V-ed by n] Investors were encouraged by the news...

[be V-ed by n] Mr Blair said he had been encouraged by recent Irish statements about the issue.

Derived words:

encouraged ADJ-GRADED v-link ADJ, oft ADJ that

We were very , after over 17,000 pictures were submitted...

I am encouraged that more physicians are asking questions in these meetings and coming to workshops.

3) VERB If you encourage someone to do something, you try to persuade them to do it, for example by telling them that it would be a pleasant thing to do, or by trying to make it easier for them to do it. You can also encourage an activity.

[V n to-inf] We want to encourage people to go fishing, not put them off...

[V n to-inf] Herbie Hancock was encouraged by his family to learn music at a young age...

[V n] Their task is to help encourage private investment in Russia...

[V n] Participation is encouraged at all levels.

4) VERB If something encourages a particular activity or state, it causes it to happen or increase.

[V n] ...a natural substance that encourages cell growth...

[V n] Such secrecy breeds and encourages fear and suspicion...

[V n to-inf] Slow music encourages supermarket-shoppers to browse longer but spend more.