November 26, 2011 - Word of the Day: encourage

If a person gives you advice, hope and confidence, he or she "encourages" you. You feel better about your abilities and, perhaps, this encouragement helps your performance. It always feels good to hear someone say that you are doing a good job!

These sentences show you how "encourage" is used as a verb:

• The teacher encouraged her students to study harder.
• Roberto encourages his children to always do their best.
• I encourage you to practice reading in English every day.

As a noun, the word becomes "encouragement."

• The coach offered his players words of encouragement during the game.
• Children benefit from their parents' encouragement.
• We received some encouragement from the news of the agreement.

The adjective form is "encouraging."

• The latest report on the U.S. economy is encouraging.
• Her encouraging words motivate her employees.
• This is very encouraging news.

Word of the Day for November 24, 2011: bury