en·cour·age 
/ɪnˈkɚrɪʤ/ verb
en·cour·ag·es; en·cour·aged; en·cour·ag·ing /ɪnˈkɚrɪʤ/ verb [+ obj] 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) encouraged ▪ We 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 + verb ▪ We were encouraged to learn of their enthusiasm. — opposite discourage 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. — opposite discourage
▪ They encouraged us in our work. ▪ Encourage each other with kind words. — often used as (be) encouraged ▪ We 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 + verb ▪ We were encouraged to learn of their enthusiasm. — opposite discourage
▪ 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. — opposite discourage
— encouraged adjective [more encouraged; most encouraged]
▪ Our early success left us feeling hopeful and encouraged.
▪ Our early success left us feeling hopeful and encouraged.
