encouragement

noun

en·​cour·​age·​ment in-ˈkər-ij-mənt How to pronounce encouragement (audio)
-ˈkə-rij-,
en-
1
: the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged
2
: something that encourages

Examples of encouragement in a Sentence

Our aim is the encouragement of investment. the encouragement of plant growth teachers who give their students a lot of encouragement With support and encouragement from their parents, the students organized a fundraiser. They offered him gifts of money and other encouragements.
Recent Examples on the Web Nist agreed, adding words of encouragement for those still looking for love in their 70s. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024 Preston eventually got to his feet and hobbled toward the police car as the other officer gasped words of encouragement. The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2024 Vanessa Lapointe, confidence encouragement Netflixsucceed 10 essential tips for parents to raise successful, confident kids Failure is actually good for kids. Ronnie Koenig, Fortune Well, 4 Apr. 2024 The rehearsals are a time for singing as much as for camaraderie and a chance to pull out of their current situations and find mutual encouragement. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2024 By providing guidance, encouragement, and advice, both parties benefit profoundly. Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 In the clip, Haley found a treasure trove of eggs beneath a couch, and, at Kotb's encouragement, split the loot with her sister, giving her two eggs to open. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024 After some encouragement, Lopez made the journey and waited two hours for his three-minute slot. Olivia McCormack, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024 With training and encouragement from their human owners, the birds engaged in daily gameplay sessions of less than 30 minutes each for three months, using basic tablets. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'encouragement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encouragement was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near encouragement

Cite this Entry

“Encouragement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encouragement. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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