encouragement
Americannoun
-
the act of encouraging.
-
the state of being encouraged.
-
something that encourages.
Praise is the greatest encouragement.
- Synonyms:
- endorsement, lift, boost, support, praise
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of encouragement
Explanation
When you help someone by offering positive words of support and approval, that's encouragement. It must have been the words of encouragement you gave in the airport lounge that helped your friend board the plane. Within the word encouragement we see the word "courage," which means the ability to face danger and deal with it. To encourage, then, is to help develop that ability in someone, while the "ment" at the end makes that development into a noun, the act of giving courage or support to another. You needed a little encouragement to try horse riding again, after your injuries healed.
Vocabulary lists containing encouragement
Catching Fire
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"Refugees Find New Lives"
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Taste of Salt
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Venegas lauds her mother for “moving through life with joy and a melody,” and as a source of encouragement.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
When a trusted person recognizes your potential, take the encouragement to heart.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
With the encouragement of her partner, TV writer and actor Alex Anfanger, she reached out to her father in a letter.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
Ross’ popularity at the time of his death, along with his prolific output, translated into an afterlife associating him with kindness and encouragement.
From Salon • May 2, 2026
I thanked Coach Val for all her encouragement, and we ended the call.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
