Encouraged - Definitions from Dictionary.com

3 results for: Encouraged

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

en·cour·age

Audio Help [en-kur-ij, -kuhr-] Pronunciation Key

–verb (used with object), -aged, -ag·ing.

1.	to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

2.	to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

3.	to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.

[Origin: 1400–50; late ME encoragen < AF, MF encorag(i)er. See en-¹, courage

]

—Related forms

en·cour·ag·er, noun

en·cour·ag·ing·ly, adverb

—Synonyms 1. embolden, hearten, reassure. 2. urge; support, aid, help.

—Antonyms 1. discourage, dishearten.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Encouraged

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

en·cour·age Audio Help (ěn-kûr'ĭj, -kŭr'-) Pronunciation Key
tr.v. en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing, en·cour·ag·es

To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.
To give support to; foster: policies designed to encourage private investment.
To stimulate; spur: burning the field to encourage new plant growth.

[Middle English encouragen, from Old French encoragier : en-, causative pref.; see en-¹ + corage, courage; see courage.]

en·cour'ag·er n.

Synonyms: These verbs mean to impart courage, inspiration, and resolution to: encouraged the athlete to compete; played music to animate the crowd; a visitor cheering the patient; was emboldened to sing for the guests; praise that heartened us; a pep talk that inspirited the weary team.
Antonym: discourage

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