encourage
verb (used with object)
to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.
had encouraged
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past perfectof encourage.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Kent later said the group was attempting to build a new anti-war political movement and had encouraged Carlson to run for president in 2028.
From Salon ● Aug. 22, 2026
Ohtani, who Alfonzo said had encouraged him with “Let’s get the first hit today” before the game, greeted him with: “Congratulations! I told you.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
The breakthrough was one of the most notable accomplishments of their tenure so far, even as it deflated the theories they had encouraged for years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 14, 2025
Investigators also considered an allegation that an officer had encouraged a colleague to destroy the mobile phone out of fear it might be recording.
From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2025
I knew that my parents had encouraged me to learn English.
From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez
