encourage
gb/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒ/ us/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒ/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Give support or confidence
To make someone feel they can do something well or keep going.
Usage pattern:
to encourage [someone] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'encourage' with 'recommend'. 'Encourage' is about giving confidence and support, while 'recommend' is about suggesting something as a good choice.
Synonyms
motivate (Focuses more on providing reasons or incentives for action.)
|
inspire (Suggests causing someone to feel excited or uplifted, often in a creative or emotional way.)
Antonyms
discourage (Means to make someone less confident or willing to do something.)
Collocations
encourage participation
|encourage creativity
|encourage someone to try
|actively encourage
|strongly encourage
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|education
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her teacher encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.
- We should encourage children to read more books.
- The coach encouraged the team after their loss.
- My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams.
Learner examples
- My friend encouraged me to join the club.
- The teacher encouraged the students to speak English.
- He encouraged his brother to try again.
- They encouraged us to work together.
Verb
B1
action
2
Help something happen or grow
To make it easier for something to start or grow.
Usage pattern:
to encourage [growth/change/activity]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'allow'. 'Encourage' means to actively help or support the development of something, not just permit it.
Synonyms
promote (Often used for supporting growth, development, or awareness in a formal context.)
|
foster (Emphasizes careful nurturing over time.)
Antonyms
hinder (Means to make progress slower or more difficult.)
Collocations
encourage investment
|encourage growth
|encourage innovation
|encourage healthy habits
Themes
business
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|work
|education
Examples
- The new policy encourages innovation in the tech sector.
- Planting flowers will encourage bees to visit your garden.
- Good communication encourages trust between team members.
Learner examples
- The school encourages healthy eating.
- This law will encourage new businesses.
- The program encourages learning at home.
Grammar
Dictionary form
encourage
IPA
GB/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒ/
US/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
en - cour - age (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cour)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: encourage
- 3rd Person Singular: encourages
- Present Participle: encouraging
- Past: encouraged
Word family
Forms
encourages
verb
encouraging
verb
encouraged
verb
Core family
encouragement
noun B1
Related words
courage
noun B1
courageous
adjective B2
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
encouragingly
adverb
courageously
adverb
Expressions
actively encourage
1/ˈæktɪvli ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Support strongly and directly
To give strong and clear support for something.
Examples
- The government actively encourages recycling programs.
- Teachers actively encourage student participation.
encourage someone to do something
1/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒ sˈʌmwˌʌn tə dˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Urge someone to take action confidently
To give someone support so they feel able to do something.
Examples
- My parents encouraged me to study abroad.
- The coach encouraged her players to keep trying.
strongly encourage
1/stɹˈɔŋli ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Firmly urge someone to act
To tell someone they should do something in a firm way.
Examples
- I strongly encourage you to apply for the job.
- We strongly encourage students to ask questions.