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Wordabulary

encourage

Pronunciation
Verb A2 Elementary

Quick answer

To give someone support or confidence to do something.

"Her teacher encouraged her to enter the writing contest."

Synonyms and antonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

discourage

Usage notes

Followed by a person plus "to" plus a verb, as in "encourage her to apply".

Test yourself

Which word fits the gap? "Her teacher _____ her to enter the writing contest."

Answer: encourage

In your own words, what does "encourage" mean?

To give someone support or confidence to do something.

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