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encourage

en·cour·age

encourage

 
 
pronunciation:
ihn kuhr ihj
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
part of speech: verb
inflections: encourages, encouraging, encouraged
definition 1: to give hope or courage to; give confidence to.
Winning in the first round encouraged the team and gave them confidence that they could win.
antonyms:
deter, discourage, dismay
similar words:
assure, cheer, inspire, rally, rouse
definition 2: to give help, support, or approval to.
The coach encouraged her in her dreams of becoming a track star.The two boys were starting up a fight, and their friends were encouraging them.
synonyms:
egg on, prompt, spur on
antonyms:
hinder
similar words:
incite, inspire, invite, pat on the back, prod, stimulate, support
definition 3: to enthusiastically advise (someone) to do something; urge.
Her parents encouraged her to audition for the school play.
synonyms:
urge
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