Given confidence, support, or hope to someone. Made someone more likely to do something by offering support or approval.
From Old French 'encoragier' meaning 'make strong, hearten,' from 'en-' (in) + 'corage' (courage). The word entered English in the 14th century, originally meaning to inspire with courage or spirit.
The word 'encourage' literally means to put courage into someone - it's like being a courage donor! Interestingly, courage itself comes from the Latin 'cor' meaning heart, so when you encourage someone, you're essentially giving them heart.
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