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Definition of encouragement

encouragement

/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒmənt/
en · cour · age · ment
Adverb:encouragingly
•
Plural:encouragements
•
Adjective:encouraging
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encouragement Lexical Profile

encouragement Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope; words or actions that inspire someone to continue or succeed.

Example

"With a little encouragement from her music teacher, she decided to audition for the youth orchestra."

2

Something that stimulates, promotes, or acts as an incentive for an activity, state, or development.

Example

"The city council offered tax breaks as an encouragement for small businesses to open downtown."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for encouragement
Antonyms
View all antonyms for encouragement

• Rhymes for encouragement

• Nearby Words

encore
encounter
encourage
encouragement
encourager
encouraging
encouragingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French encouragement, from the verb encourager ('to make bold, hearten'), ultimately tracing back to Latin cor ('heart').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Encouragement. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/encouragement
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