encourage

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb contribute to the progress or growth of
  2. verb inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to
  3. verb spur on

Etymology

From Middle English encouragen, encoragen, from Anglo-Norman encoragier, from Old French encoragier. Displaced native Old English hiertan, tyhtan, and trymman. By surface analysis, en- + courage.

In classic literature

Synonyms

promote, advance, boost, further

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