verb

encourage

to support, to motivate, to promote

My parents always encouraged me to study hard.

My parents always encouraged me to study hard.

The government encourages investment in new technology.

The government encourages investment in new technology.

((sb.)) ((to-inf)) to give (sb.) support or hope to do (sth.) My parents encouraged me to try.

((sth.)) to help (sth.) to develop The policy encourages economic growth.

Synonyms: support, motivate, inspire; Antonyms: discourage, dissuade

From 'en-' (to put into) + 'courage'. Literally 'to put courage into someone'.

Break it down: 'en-' (in) + 'courage'. You are literally putting courage *in* someone.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.