encourage

To help someone feel confident or willing to do something.

• Her smile encouraged me.
• My teacher encouraged me to keep writing.
• We encourage each other when things are difficult.

How to use it: encourage someone to do something (She encouraged him to apply for the job.)

Similar words: support, cheer on

Opposites: discourage

Common phrases: encourage someone to, encourage a child, encourage each other

To make something more likely to happen or develop.

• Warm weather encourages plant growth.
• Damp conditions encouraged the spread of mold.
• Lower prices may encourage greater demand.

How to use it: encourage something to do something (Warm temperatures encourage seeds to grow.)

Similar words: promote, stimulate

Opposites: discourage

Common phrases: encourage growth, encourage competition, encourage something to

To strongly suggest that someone do something or that something should be done.

• We encourage recycling at work.
• The school encourages parents to attend meetings.
• The council encouraged the use of public transport.

How to use it: encourage someone to do something (We encourage visitors to book early.); encourage doing something (The program encourages walking to school.)

Similar words: urge, recommend, advocate

Opposites: discourage

Common phrases: encourage participation, encourage someone to, encourage the use

To help an activity, idea, or talent grow by giving it support.

• The town encourages local artists.
• Their donations encouraged the development of new theaters.
• Good schools encourage creativity in children.

Similar words: support, promote, nurture

Opposites: discourage

Common phrases: encourage the arts, encourage creativity, encourage new talent