encouraging
Encouraging (adj) means giving hope or confidence; suggesting a positive outcome. Example: “The early test results were encouraging.”
How to Use Encouraging
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMaking someone feel hopeful or more confident.
Word Forms
more encouraging comparative, encouragings plural, most encouraging superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The early test results were _____.
Related Words
Rhymes for encouraging
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “encouraging” mean?
The word “encouraging” means giving hope or confidence; suggesting a positive outcome. In plain terms, making someone feel hopeful or more confident.
How do you pronounce “encouraging”?
“Encouraging” is pronounced ihn-KUH-rihd-zhihng (/ɪnˈkɝɹɪd͡ʒɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “encouraging” in a sentence?
Here is “encouraging” used in a sentence: “The early test results were encouraging.”
What part of speech is “encouraging”?
“Encouraging” is an adjective.
Is “encouraging” a common word?
“Encouraging” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between encouraging and encouraged?
Encouraging describes something that gives hope or confidence, as in 'the results were encouraging.' Encouraged describes a person who feels that hope, as in 'she felt encouraged by the results.'
What is the difference between encouraging and promising?
Both suggest a positive outcome, but encouraging emphasizes giving hope and confidence, while promising emphasizes strong potential for future success. Encouraging news makes you feel hopeful now; a promising start suggests good things are likely to follow.
What nouns commonly follow encouraging?
Encouraging often pairs with words like news, sign, signs, results, words, and progress. These collocations all point to information or behaviour that suggests a positive outcome.
Does encouraging have a positive or negative tone?
Encouraging is a positive word. It signals a hopeful or favourable outlook and is used to describe things that boost confidence or suggest good things ahead.