encouraging

en-cour-ag-ing · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

  2. 2.

    Giving hope or promise of success; positive.

  3. 3.

    Present participle of *encourage*; giving support or motivation.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    encouraging signs — indications that suggest a positive outcome
  • •
    encouraging news — positive or hopeful information
  • •
    be encouraging — to be supportive and motivating

Related words

Antonyms: disappointing, discouraging, disheartening
See also: encourage, encouragement, hopeful, promising
Synonyms: heartening, hopeful, promising, reassuring

Etymology

Present participle of encourage, from Old French encourager ("to make strong, hearten").