English verb: encourage | |||
1. | encourage (social) contribute to the progress or growth of | ||
Samples | I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom. | ||
Examples | They encourage him to write the letter | ||
Synonyms | advance, boost, further, promote | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something. Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s somebody. Something ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | back up, support | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | carry, conduce, connive at, contribute, feed, foster, further, help, lead, spur, wink at | ||
2. | encourage (emotion) inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to | ||
Examples | The good news will encourage her | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s somebody | ||
Broader (hypernym) | animate, enliven, exalt, inspire, invigorate | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | barrack, bring out, cheer, cheer, draw out, embolden, exhort, foster, goad, hearten, hollo, inspire, nurture, pep up, recreate, root on, spur, urge, urge on | ||
Cause | hope | ||
Antonyms | discourage | ||
3. | encourage (communication) spur on | ||
Samples | His financial success encouraged him to look for a wife. | ||
Examples | They encourage him to write the letter | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s somebody. Something ----s somebody. Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE | ||
Broader (hypernym) | cause, get, have, induce, make, stimulate | ||