encouragement

en-cour-age-ment · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

  2. 2.

    Something that serves to motivate or inspire.

  3. 3.

    The act of stimulating or promoting development of something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    words of encouragement — supportive statements meant to inspire
  • •
    with encouragement — with support and motivation
  • •
    need encouragement — to require support or motivation

Related words

Antonyms: deterrence, discouragement
See also: encourage, encouraged, encouraging, support
Synonyms: inspiration, motivation, reassurance, support

Etymology

From Old French encouragement, from encourager ("to make strong, hearten"), from en- ("make, put in") + corage ("courage").