encourages; encouraged; encouraging
1
: to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident
They encouraged us in our work.
Encourage each other with kind words.
—often used as (be) encouragedWe were encouraged by their enthusiasm.
Researchers are encouraged by the findings.
I am encouraged that the project seems to be moving ahead.
—sometimes followed by to + verbWe were encouraged to learn of their enthusiasm.
2
a
: to make (something) more appealing or more likely to happen
The program is meant to encourage savings.
Warm weather encourages plant growth.
He claims the new regulations will encourage investment.
b
: to make (someone) more likely to do something
He claims the new regulations will encourage people to invest.
We want to encourage students to read more.
: to tell or advise (someone) to do something
My parents encouraged me to go back to college.
They encouraged her to go.
Cite this Entry
“Encourage.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/encourage. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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