ermutigen
Translation
to encourage, to embolden, to hearten
Examples
Seine Worte ermutigen mich.
His words encourage me.
Sie ermutigen ihn, es zu versuchen.
They encourage him to try it.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to encourage sb. to do sth. I encourage you to take this step.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bestärken, anspornen, motivieren; Antonyms: entmutigen, abschrecken
Etymology
From the prefix er- (denoting the start or result of an action) + Mut (courage) + the verb suffix -igen. Literally 'to make courageous' or 'to en-courage'.
Memory Tips
Remember it as the act of giving someone 'Mut' (courage). The prefix 'er-' often implies causing something to become a certain way.