What does "encouragement" mean?
The act of encouraging
Encouragement
/[ɪnˈkʌɹɪd͡ʒmənt]/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of encouraging
- Grammar: encouragement is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: boost, abetment, abetting, act supportively.
- Useful contrasts: discouraging, stern note, stern warning.
- Usage evidence: Your words of encouragement meant a lot to me.
How to use "encouragement"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "encouragement" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "encouragement" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "encouragement" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "encouragement" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "encouragement" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "boost" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "encouragement", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of encouraging countable, uncountable
- 2 the act of giving hope or support to someone wordnet
- 3 Something that incites, supports, promotes, protects or advances; incentive countable, uncountable
"even their arch-enemy the gamekeeper is beginning reluctantly, but gradually, to acquiesce in the general belief of their innocence and utility, I cannot help indulging the hope that this bird will eventually meet with that general encouragement and protection to which its eminent services so richly entitle it."
- 4 the expression of approval and support wordnet
- 5 Words or actions that increase someone's confidence countable, uncountable
"7 January 2017, Adharanand Finn writing in The Guardian, The 24-hour race: 'It is a battle with your mind' Diana Celeiro has come all the way from Argentina for the race. It’s her second time here. Her husband, Gustavo, acts as her support crew. Most of the runners have someone who stands diligently by the track watching, offering encouragement, preparing snacks or helping with any issues that arise, from blisters to emotional breakdowns."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 the feeling of being encouraged wordnet
- 7 The feeling of being encouraged countable, uncountable
Antonyms
Example
"Your words of encouragement meant a lot to me."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "encouragement"?
Common synonyms include: boost, abetment, abetting, act supportively, advocacy, aegis.
How do you use "encouragement" in a sentence?
Your words of encouragement meant a lot to me.
How do you pronounce "encouragement"?
Pronounced /[ɪnˈkʌɹɪd͡ʒmənt]/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French encoragement.