C1noun 3K

Encouragement

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒmənt/"]/

Meaning of Encouragement

the act of encouraging somebody to do something; something that encourages somebody

In simple words: Helping someone feel better or more confident.

Encouragement in a sentence

• Her words of encouragement helped me keep going during tough times.
• Teachers often use praise and encouragement to motivate students.
• She felt a surge of encouragement after receiving positive feedback.
• The manager’s encouragement boosted the team’s confidence before the presentation.
• Encouragement is a powerful tool to help people overcome their fears.

How to use Encouragement

Used in both personal and professional contexts to motivate or provide support. It’s appropriate in speeches, conversations, and written communication, but might be less common in highly casual settings.

Grammar pattern

encouragement + object

Memory hint

Think of 'in-courage-ment' — it gives you courage!

Related words

Collocations with Encouragement

• considerable
• great
• strong
• give somebody
• offer (somebody)
• provide (somebody with)
• with encouragement
• encouragement by
• encouragement from
• support and encouragement
• words of encouragement

Synonyms for Encouragement

• support
• motivation
• inspiration
• uplift
• boost

Opposites of Encouragement

• discouragement
• dissuasion

Common mistakes with Encouragement

• Confusing 'encouragement' with 'support' as if they mean the same thing.
• Using it as a verb instead of a noun.
• Incorrectly assuming it only applies to negative situations.

Frequently asked questions about Encouragement

What does Encouragement mean?

Helping someone feel better or more confident.

What is the definition of Encouragement?

the act of encouraging somebody to do something; something that encourages somebody

How do you use Encouragement in a sentence?

Her words of encouragement helped me keep going during tough times.

Can you give another example of Encouragement?

Teachers often use praise and encouragement to motivate students.

What are synonyms for Encouragement?

Common alternatives include support, motivation, inspiration, uplift, boost.

What is the opposite of Encouragement?

Opposite meanings include discouragement, dissuasion.

What words go with Encouragement?

It commonly pairs with considerable, great, strong, give somebody, offer (somebody), provide (somebody with), with encouragement, encouragement by, encouragement from, support and encouragement, words of encouragement.

What are common mistakes when using Encouragement?

Confusing 'encouragement' with 'support' as if they mean the same thing. Using it as a verb instead of a noun. Incorrectly assuming it only applies to negative situations.

How do you pronounce Encouragement?

US: /["/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒmənt/"]/, UK: /["/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Encouragement?

Used in both personal and professional contexts to motivate or provide support. It’s appropriate in speeches, conversations, and written communication, but might be less common in highly casual settings.

What CEFR level is Encouragement?

"Encouragement" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.