Encouraged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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encouraged

[ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

given support, confidence or hope to do something

Synonyms

inspired, motivated, supported.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
encouraged

This word is used when someone gives someone else confidence or hope to do something.

  • She encouraged him to apply for the scholarship.
  • He felt encouraged after talking to his mentor.
supported

This is used when someone provides help, advice, or encouragement to another person.

  • Her family supported her during her difficult times.
  • He felt supported by his friends when he decided to change careers.
inspired

Use this when someone is given a strong feeling or desire to do something creative or meaningful because of someone or something else.

  • The teacher's dedication inspired her students.
  • He was inspired by the beautiful landscape to paint.
motivated

Apply this word when someone has a strong reason or willingness to do something, often to achieve a goal.

  • She was motivated to finish her project early.
  • The coach's speech motivated the team to win the game.

Examples of usage

  • I feel encouraged by all the positive feedback I've received.
  • Her words of encouragement really helped me feel more encouraged.
  • He was encouraged by his coach to keep pushing himself.
  • The team was encouraged by their early success in the season.
  • Encouraged by the results, she decided to pursue her dream.
Context #2 | Verb

action

to give support, confidence or hope to someone

Synonyms

inspire, motivate, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
encouraged

When someone is given confidence, courage, or hope to do something, especially by someone else.

  • He encouraged me to apply for the job
  • The teacher's praise encouraged the students to participate more in class
motivate

When someone is given a reason or incentive to act or behave in a certain way, often related to achieving a specific goal.

  • The bonus money motivated the employees to work harder
  • Coaches often motivate their players with pep talks before a game
inspire

When someone is stimulated to a higher level of feeling, thinking, or acting, often in a creative or artistic manner.

  • The breathtaking view inspired him to paint a landscape
  • Her speech inspired the audience to take action against climate change
support

When someone is given assistance, help, or backing in order to achieve something or overcome difficulties.

  • Her family supported her through the tough times
  • The project was successful thanks to the team's unwavering support

Examples of usage

  • She encouraged her students to believe in themselves.
  • He encouraged his friend to apply for the job.
  • The coach encouraged the team to never give up.
  • Encouraging words can make a big difference in someone's life.
  • Parents play a crucial role in encouraging their children.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that positive reinforcement, such as encouragement, boosts self-esteem and motivation.
  • Encouragement can help improve performance in both academic and athletic settings by fostering a growth mindset.
  • Children who receive encouragement are more likely to take on challenges and develop resilience.

Pop Culture

  • Stories often show characters receiving encouragement from friends or mentors, which helps them overcome challenges.
  • Popular songs often include themes of encouragement, promoting the idea of believing in oneself and staying strong.
  • Famous quotes about encouragement, like those from authors and leaders, inspire many people to keep going despite obstacles.

Education

  • Teachers use encouragement to motivate students, enhancing their interest in learning and participation in class.
  • Positive feedback from educators promotes a safe learning environment, allowing students to express their opinions without fear.
  • Encouragement in educational settings is crucial for fostering collaboration and teamwork among students.

Social Relationships

  • In friendships, providing encouragement can strengthen bonds and improve trust between people.
  • Encouragement in relationships, whether family or romantic, helps individuals feel valued and understood.
  • Communities that promote a culture of encouragement often see better mental health and collective well-being.

Origin of 'encouraged'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'encourager', which means 'to make bold or heartened'.
  • It combines 'en-' (to make) and 'corage' (heart), reflecting the idea of giving strength to someone.
  • The root 'corage' is related to 'courage,' showing a link between encouragement and bravery.

The word 'encouraged' originates from the Old French word 'encoragier', which means 'make strong, hearten'. It entered the English language in the 15th century. The prefix 'en-' means 'to put into' and 'corage' comes from the Latin 'cor' meaning 'heart'. Over the centuries, 'encouraged' has evolved to represent the act of giving support, confidence, or hope to someone, both in feeling and action.


See also: encouragement, encouraging, encouragingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,939, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.