encouragement

[en-kur-ij-muhnt, -kuhr-]

noun

1. the act of encouraging.

2. the state of being encouraged.

3. something that encourages.

   Praise is the greatest encouragement.

   Synonyms: endorsement, lift, boost, support, praise

Other Word Forms

• preencouragement noun
• reencouragement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of encouragement¹

First recorded in 1560–70; encourage + -ment

Example Sentences

Sophia always loved creative writing, and she began to envision a career as a journalist at the encouragement of a high-school English teacher.

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Bonta said he has received significant encouragement to join the crowded gubernatorial field and that he expects to make a decision “definitely sooner rather than later.”

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“My skills were kind of suited to that,” McCullum said, “giving guys confidence and encouragement to push the boundaries of their games.”

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Having missed securing a spot among the groups traveling to Normandy, Bernie, a Royal Navy veteran, with Rene’s encouragement, decides to go it alone.

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With his parents’ encouragement, he joined some 200 other students in a midday walkout after the closures were announced.

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Related Words

• assistance 
• backing 
• cheer 
• comfort 
• confidence 
• consolation 
• faith 
• fortitude 
• incentive 
• inspiration 
• optimism 
• reassurance 
• relief 
• reward 
• stimulation 
• stimulus