encourage
encourage
(ɪnkʌrɪdʒ , US -kɜːr- )Word forms: 3rd person singular present tense encourages , present participle encouraging , past tense, past participle encouraged
1. verb
2. verb [usually passive]
Investors were encouraged by the news. [be VERB-ed + by]
Mr Blair said he had been encouraged by recent Irish statements about the issue. [be V-ed by n]
encouraged adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, oft ADJECTIVE that]
We were very encouraged, after over 17,000 pictures were submitted.
I am encouraged that more physicians are asking questions in these meetings and coming to workshops.
3. verb
If you encourage someone to do something, you try to persuade them to do it, for example by telling them that it would be a pleasant thing to do, or by trying to make it easier for them to do it. You can also encourage an activity.
We want to encourage people to go fishing, not put them off. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
Herbie Hancock was encouraged by his family to learn music at a young age. [be VERB-ed to-infinitive]
Their task is to help encourage private investment in Russia. [VERB noun]
Participation is encouraged at all levels. [be VERB-ed]
4. verb
If something encourages a particular activity or state, it causes it to happen or increase.
...a natural substance that encourages cell growth. [VERB noun]
Such secrecy breeds and encourages fear and suspicion. [VERB noun]
Slow music encourages supermarket-shoppers to browse longer but spend more. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
