encouragement
gb/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒmənt/ us/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒmənt/
B1
English
~ 5000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
the act of supporting someone emotionally
When you say or do something to help someone feel more confident or hopeful.
Usage pattern:
to give [someone] encouragement
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'encouragement' with 'encouraging', which is the adjective form. 'Encouragement' is the noun for the act or words of giving support.
Synonyms
support (General term for help or backing; may be practical or emotional.)
|
motivation (Focuses more on inspiring action rather than emotional reassurance.)
Antonyms
discouragement (The act of making someone lose confidence or hope.)
Collocations
words of encouragement
|offer encouragement
|seek encouragement
|give encouragement
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her teacher's encouragement helped her pass the exam.
- He offered words of encouragement before the big race.
- With a little encouragement, she agreed to try again.
- The letter was full of encouragement and advice.
Learner examples
- My friend gave me encouragement before the test.
- I need encouragement to finish this project.
- She gave him encouragement to speak in class.
- We all need encouragement sometimes.
Noun
B1
entity
2
words or actions that support someone
Words or actions that help someone feel more confident or hopeful.
Usage pattern:
[something] is an encouragement to [someone]
Synonyms
inspiration (Often refers to a source of positive influence; can be stronger than simple support.)
Antonyms
criticism (Negative feedback that can reduce someone's confidence.)
Collocations
a great encouragement
|find encouragement in
|small encouragement
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- His success was an encouragement to the rest of the team.
- The award was a great encouragement for her future work.
- I took his kind words as an encouragement to continue.
Learner examples
- Her smile was an encouragement to me.
- This prize is an encouragement to work harder.
- His letter was an encouragement for me.
Grammar
Dictionary form
encouragement
IPA
GB/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒmənt/
US/ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒmənt/
Syllables & stress
en - cour - age - ment (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cour)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: encouragement
- Plural: encouragement, encouragements
Word family
Forms
encouragements
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
encourager
noun
Expressions
a source of encouragement
1/ə sˈɔɹs əv ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒmənt/
fixed phrase
something that gives support or hope
Something that helps you feel more confident or hopeful.
Examples
- Her parents were a constant source of encouragement.
- The positive feedback was a source of encouragement for the team.
offer encouragement
1/ˈɔfɚ ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒmənt/
fixed phrase
to give someone support or hope
To say or do something that makes someone feel more confident or hopeful.
Examples
- The coach offered encouragement to the players during halftime.
- Friends and family offered encouragement throughout her recovery.
words of encouragement
1/wˈɚdz əv ɪŋkˈɚɪd͡ʒmənt/
fixed phrase
supportive statements to boost confidence
Kind things you say or write to help someone feel more confident or hopeful.
Examples
- She gave me words of encouragement before my interview.
- His words of encouragement helped calm my nerves.