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Definition of encouraging

encouraging

/ɪnˈkɜːr.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/
en · cour · ag · ing
Adverb:encouragingly
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encouraging Lexical Profile

encouraging Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Giving someone support, confidence, or hope; inspiring optimism about future success or improvement.

Example

"The initial test results were very encouraging, suggesting the new treatment is effective."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for encouraging
Antonyms
View all antonyms for encouraging

• Rhymes for encouraging

• Nearby Words

encourage
encouragement
encourager
encouraging
encouragingly
encroach
encroachment

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'encourage', which entered Middle English from Old French 'encoragier' ('to make strong, hearten'), ultimately rooted in Latin 'cor' ('heart').

Cite this Entry

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