Encouraged: meaning, definitions and examples

🌟
Add to dictionary

encouraged

 

[ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

given support, confidence or hope to do something

Synonyms

inspired, motivated, supported.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "encouraged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encorajado

🇮🇳 प्रोत्साहित

🇩🇪 ermutigt

🇮🇩 didorong

🇺🇦 заохочений

🇵🇱 zachęcony

🇯🇵 励まされた

🇫🇷 encouragé

🇪🇸 alentado

🇹🇷 teşvik edilmiş

🇰🇷 격려받은

🇸🇦 مشجع

🇨🇿 povzbuzen

🇸🇰 povzbudený

🇨🇳 鼓励的

🇸🇮 spodbujen

🇮🇸 hvattur

🇰🇿 жігерлендірілген

🇬🇪 შეწყობილი

🇦🇿 həvəsləndirilmiş

🇲🇽 alentado

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.