To encourage means to give someone confidence, hope, or support to help them keep trying or believe they can succeed. When a coach encourages her team at halftime, she reminds them of their strengths and helps them feel ready to play their best in the second half. When your friend feels nervous about trying out for the school play, you encourage them by pointing out how well they performed in class presentations.

Encouragement often comes at moments when someone feels doubtful or discouraged. A teacher might encourage a struggling student by saying, “I can see you're working hard on this. Keep going!” Parents encourage their children to try new things, even when those things seem difficult or scary at first.

When you encourage others, you help them feel stronger and more capable than they felt before. Scientists encourage curiosity. Coaches encourage effort. Friends encourage each other to be brave.

Notice that encouraging someone is different from pressuring them or just being nice. Real encouragement recognizes someone's genuine effort and potential, helping them see possibilities they might have missed.