verb
encourage
in-KER-ij/ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ/
to give support that helps bring about an action or desired result
The companion encourages her with a smile and a thumbs-up.
Etymology
To encourage is to give someone heart: corage referred to the heart as the seat of feelings and inner strength. That image connects heartening someone with giving confidence or hope.
In context
you have to encourage your team members to resolve the conflict themselves first of all
More examples
- Her progress encouraged us to continue.
- The new benches encourage people to stay longer.
- He encouraged her interest in science.
Forms
encourage · encourages · encouraged · encouraging
encouragement noun — support that gives confidence
Similar words
- support
- Help or sustain.
- heartening
- The effect of giving confidence or hope.