Dictionary

encouragement

noun en·cour·age·ment \-ij-mənt, -rij-\

: the act of making something more appealing or more likely to happen

: something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident

: something that makes someone more likely to do something

Full Definition of ENCOURAGEMENT

: the act of encouraging : the state of being encouraged

: something that encourages

See encouragement defined for English-language learners

1549

Synonyms: boost, impulse, goad, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast

ENCOURAGEMENT Defined for Kids

noun en·cour·age·ment \in-ˈkər-ij-mənt\

: something that gives hope, determination, or confidence <Winning was just the encouragement she needed.>

: the act of giving hope or confidence to <His teacher's encouragement helped his grades.>

Next Word in the Dictionary: encouragingPrevious Word in the Dictionary: encourageAll Words Near: encouragement

What made you want to look up encouragement? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears