encourage
UK: ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ | US: ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ
vt. to give support, confidence, or hope to someone
vt. to stimulate the development of an activity or idea
encourage = en<make, cause to> + courage<bravery>
- en: A prefix derived from Old French and Latin in-, meaning "make" or "cause to."
- courage: From Old French corage (heart, spirit), ultimately from Latin cor (heart). The modern sense of "bravery" developed in Middle English.
Etymology Origin:
The word "encourage" literally means "to put courage into someone." It entered English via Old French (encoragier) in the 14th century, combining the intensifying prefix en- with corage (heart/spirit). Over time, it shifted from physical bravery (heart as a symbol of strength) to emotional or moral support.
Teachers should encourage students to ask questions.
Her success encouraged others to pursue similar goals.
The coach’s speech encouraged the team before the match.
Positive feedback can encourage creativity.
He felt encouraged by his friend’s kind words.