encouraging
ihn-KUH-rihd-zhihng
Encouraging (adj) means giving hope or confidence; suggesting a positive outcome. Example: “The teacher gave us some encouraging feedback on our first draft.”
adj
1
Giving hope or confidence; suggesting a positive outcome.
"There are some encouraging signs of economic recovery."
"The teacher gave us some encouraging feedback on our first draft."
"It was encouraging to see so many people turn up to help."
"The early test results were encouraging."
"Although there is no cure for the disease yet, the research results are encouraging."
How to use encouraging
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMaking someone feel hopeful or more confident.
Common pairings
encouraging signs
encouraging news
sound encouraging
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Word forms
- Plural
- encouragings
- Comparative
- more encouraging
- Superlative
- most encouraging
Fill the gap
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The teacher gave us some _____ feedback on our first draft.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for encouraging
aging
raging
paging
imaging
staging
damaging
engaging
managing
foraging
packaging
rummaging
massaging
See all 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.
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