encourages

4 definitions • 5 examples

to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more likely to happen:

[ T + to infinitive ] We were encouraged to learn foreign languages at school.

The council is encouraging the development of the property for both employment and recreation.

to talk or behave in a way that gives someone confidence to do something:

encourage someone in something They've always encouraged me in everything I've wanted to do.

to help someone to feel confident and able to do something, or to give advice to someone to do something:

Our parents always encouraged us to ask questions.

If something encourages an activity, it supports it or makes it more likely:

The city needs to encourage job creation.