encouragement

[en-kur-ij-muhnt, -kuhr-]

noun

1. the act of encouraging.

2. the state of being encouraged.

3. something that encourages.

   Praise is the greatest encouragement.

   Synonyms: endorsement, lift, boost, support, praise

Other Word Forms

• preencouragement noun
• reencouragement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of encouragement¹

First recorded in 1560–70; encourage + -ment

Example Sentences

However, there are some signs of encouragement too.

From BBC

Arsenal did not play badly, but they played within themselves against a Liverpool team that has offered encouragement this season to those teams willing to take the fight to them.

From BBC

Twice pushing Sabalenka - taking her to three sets in Cincinnati less than a month after their Wimbledon meeting - were further signs of encouragement.

From BBC

There is yet to be an agreement between the two teams, but Liverpool have received encouragement Palace are prepared to sell the England defender and are actively working towards strengthening at centre-back.

From BBC

A roar of encouragement arrived when Williams claimed her first point of the match, with the volume turning up as she started to gain a foothold.

From BBC

Related Words

• assistance 
• backing 
• cheer 
• comfort 
• confidence 
• consolation 
• faith 
• fortitude 
• incentive 
• inspiration 
• optimism 
• reassurance 
• relief 
• reward 
• stimulation 
• stimulus