encourage English · revision 5114

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=1429|origins=fro encoragier}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ɪnˈkʌr.ɪdʒ/, /enˈkʌr.ɪdʒ/, US /enˈkɝː.ɪdʒ/, /ɪnˈkɝː.ɪdʒ/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|enm|encoragen]], [[bor|frm|encoragier]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(MWU 2024) from Old French en- “make, put in” and corage “courage, heart”.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(Hoad 1986) It is related to [[courage]].^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To inspire with courage, make bold: 1429, in the Rolls of Parliament, according to Barnhart; the early 15th century in Etymonline and 1490 in the OED.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ To incite or induce, or more weakly to advise, is from 1483.^(OED 1989) To stimulate people or efforts by help or reward is from 1668,^(OED 1989) and to promote the growth of something, such as trade or a plant, from 1677.^(OED 1989) ''Encouragement'' is from 1568.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1429 – to inspire with courage.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1483 – to incite, advise.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1668 – to stimulate by help.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1677 – to promote growth.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To give someone confidence or hope.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To try to persuade someone to do something.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To help something develop or grow; to [[foster]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[encourager]]

+ * [[encouragingly]]

+ * [[encouragement]]

+ * [[encouraging]]

+ * [[overencourage]]

+ * [[reencourage]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[courage]]

+ * [[discourage]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ Encourage, animate, cheer, embolden, hearten and inspirit all mean to give courage, inspiration and resolution to someone.^(AHD)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}