Encourage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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encourage
[ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ ]
Definitions
to inspire
To encourage means to inspire someone with the courage, spirit, or confidence to do something. It involves giving support, approval, or hope.
Synonyms
inspire, motivate, support, uplift.
Examples of usage
- She always encouraged her children to pursue their dreams.
- His positive attitude encouraged the team to work harder.
to promote
To encourage can also mean to promote the development or growth of something, such as a behavior, activity, or idea.
Synonyms
advance, foster, promote, stimulate.
Examples of usage
- The government encourages citizens to recycle by providing incentives.
- The teacher encourages creativity in her students.
support
Encouragement can also refer to the act of giving support, confidence, or hope to someone.
Synonyms
boost, motivation, reassurance, support.
Examples of usage
- She appreciated the encouragement she received from her friends.
- His words of encouragement helped her through a difficult time.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that encouragement can boost a person's self-esteem and improve their performance.
- Positive reinforcement is linked to the concept of encouragement, where praise motivates individuals to repeat good behavior.
- The presence of supportive figures, like parents or teachers, has been shown to improve children's resilience and problem-solving skills.
Education
- Teachers who encourage their students often see better learning outcomes compared to those who focus solely on corrections.
- Encouragement in classrooms fosters a growth mindset, where students believe they can improve through effort.
- Group activities that promote encouragement among peers are known to enhance collaboration and social skills.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Dead Poets Society' illustrate the powerful impact of encouragement on creativity and personal growth.
- Sports teams often thrive on encouragement, with coaches using uplifting messages to motivate players to perform their best.
- Influential figures like Oprah Winfrey emphasize the importance of encouragement in their personal stories and public speaking.
Health & Wellbeing
- Encouragement is linked to lower stress levels, as supportive relationships create a coping mechanism for challenges.
- Practicing encouragement can improve overall emotional health, leading to greater life satisfaction.
- Mindfulness and positive self-talk, which often include self-encouragement, can help reduce anxiety and depression.
Origin of 'encourage'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'encorager', meaning 'to make brave'.
- Its roots trace back to Latin 'cor', which means 'heart', highlighting the emotional support aspect.
- In Middle English, it took a simpler form as 'encourage' around the 14th century.
The word 'encourage' originated from the Old French word 'encoragier', which means 'to make strong, hearten'. It entered the English language in the 15th century. The prefix 'en-' signifies 'to put into' or 'make', while 'corage' comes from the Latin 'cor', meaning 'heart'. Over time, 'encourage' has evolved to encompass the ideas of inspiring, promoting, and supporting others.
See also: courage, courageous, courageously, discourage, discouraged, discouragement.