French word

encourager

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃kuʁaʒe/

Meaning

  • verbencourage

Example

Je t'encourage.

I encourage you.

Illustration for encourager (encourage)

More examples

Ses amis l'ont encouragé avant l'examen.

His friends encouraged him before the exam.

Core concept

A source of moral strength that helps a worried person take the next step.

Common phrases

  • encourager quelqu'un

    encourage someone

Similar words

motiver: Strengthens the desire to act and increases motivation.
soutenir: Provides help or encouragement during times of difficulty.
stimuler: Stimulates interest or ability, making activity and thinking more lively.
pousser: Strongly urges someone to do something.

Definition in French

Donner du courage ou du soutien moral à quelqu'un pour le rassurer et l'inciter à agir.

Word origin

Encourager developed from courage with en-, and courage traces through Old French corage to Latin cor, 'heart'.

Usage tips

  • In the infinitive, the final -er of encourager is pronounced like the sound in French 'parler', while the g before e remains soft.

Other meanings

  • cheer onverb
  • emboldenverb
  • urgeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word