encouragement

en·cour·age·ment

noun \-ij-mənt, -rij-\

Definition of ENCOURAGEMENT

1

: the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged

2

: something that encourages

Examples of ENCOURAGEMENT

1. Our aim is the encouragement of investment.
2. the encouragement of plant growth
3. teachers who give their students a lot of encouragement
4. With support and encouragement from their parents, the students organized a fundraiser.
5. They offered him gifts of money and other encouragements.

First Known Use of ENCOURAGEMENT

1549

Related to ENCOURAGEMENT

Synonyms: boost, impulse, goad, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast

Antonyms: counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words: inducement, invitation; antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason; catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark

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