encourage
/ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒ/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈkər-ij -ˈkə-rij, en-/ (ame, mw)
encourage — verb
- encouragepresent simple I / you / we / they
- encourageshe / she / it
- encouragedpast simple
- encouraging-ing form
1. to create favourable surroundings that allow a particular activity, feeling, or
to create favourable surroundings that allow a particular activity, feeling, or process to grow and flourish
Warmth and moisture encourage the seeds to sprout within days.
encourage + object + to-infinitive (natural process)
The new law encourages companies to reduce their carbon emissions.
encourage + object + to-infinitive (policy context)
Camila found that gentle music encouraged her baby to settle down quickly.
A welcoming classroom atmosphere encourages students to ask questions freely.
The bonus scheme encourages staff to meet their targets each month.
- discourage
to make something less likely to happen
- hinder
to create obstacles that slow or stop development
- inhibit
to restrain or prevent a process from occurring
文法句型
encourage + noun phrase
encourage + object + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Often used in passive constructions (e.g., 'is encouraged by'). The subject is typically a condition, policy, or environment rather than a person.
常見錯誤
2. to say or do things that give someone the confidence or hope they need to pursue
to say or do things that give someone the confidence or hope they need to pursue something they might otherwise be hesitant about
Takeshi encouraged his sister before her job interview by praising her strengths.
encourage + object + by + gerund (manner of support)
Kwame's coach always encourages the team after a disappointing loss.
Ritu encouraged her nervous classmate to speak up during the debate.
Sivan's parents encourage her to trust her own judgment.
Élise encouraged the young poet to keep submitting work despite the rejections.
- hearten
emphasises lifting spirits when someone feels discouraged; slightly formal
- reassure
focuses on removing doubt or worry rather than building courage
- cheer on
informal; describes vocal support during a performance or competition
- inspire
stronger effect — makes someone feel excited and motivated to do something ambitious
- discourage
to make someone lose confidence or hope
- demoralize
to destroy someone's spirit or confidence completely
- dishearten
to cause someone to lose determination or hope
文法句型
encourage + object + to-infinitive
encourage + object + in + noun phrase
encourage + object + by + gerund
用法筆記
The direct object is always a person or group. Commonly followed by a to-infinitive clause or a prepositional phrase with 'in' (e.g., 'encouraged her in her studies').
常見錯誤
3. to try to convince someone to take a particular action, especially by pointing o
to try to convince someone to take a particular action, especially by pointing out benefits, offering help, or reducing obstacles
The travel agent encouraged us to book early to secure the best rate.
encourage + object + to-infinitive (persuasion with incentive)
Emre's manager encouraged the sales team to call more potential clients.
Christopher's doctor encouraged him to cut down on sugary drinks.
The charity worker encouraged shoppers to drop their spare coins in the box.
Evelyn's teacher encouraged the class to turn in their essays before the break.
- discourage from
to try to persuade someone not to do something
- dissuade
formal; to convince someone not to take a particular course of action
文法句型
encourage + object + to-infinitive
encourage + object + into + noun phrase/gerund
用法筆記
Frequently implies a reasoned or gentle appeal rather than strong pressure. Unlike 'force' or 'make', the subject cannot compel the action — the decision remains with the other person.