What does encouragingly mean?
Encouragingly is an adverb describing actions done in a way that gives others hope, confidence, or support — a teacher smiling encouragingly at a struggling pupil, for instance. It also applies to situations and evidence: results, figures, or signs can be described as encouragingly strong, encouragingly low, or encouragingly clear when they point toward a positive outcome. The word derives from the verb "encourage," which entered English from Old French encoragier, built on the Latin root cor, meaning "heart." To encourage is thus etymologically to put heart into someone, and encouragingly preserves that warm, uplifting connotation. It appears frequently in everyday conversation and in journalism, where it lends a measured optimism to reporting on data and trends. Its natural antonym is discouragingly, and its tone ranges from gently supportive to formally approving, making it a versatile word for expressing hopefulness about both people and circumstances.
adverbIn a way that gives someone hope, confidence, or support; in a manner suggesting a positive or favourable outcome.
- (of speech or behaviour) In a manner that gives hope, confidence, or support to someone.
- (of signs, results, or figures) In a way that suggests a promising or favourable outcome or trend.
"She nodded encouragingly as he stumbled through his first public speech."
"The coach smiled encouragingly at the nervous young player before the final."
"Early sales figures were encouragingly strong for a product launched with no marketing budget."
It comes from the French for "to put heart into" — every time you say it encouragingly, you're literally offering someone a piece of courage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of encouragingly
Encouragingly derives from the verb "encourage," which entered Middle English from Old French encoragier (modern encourager), itself formed from en- plus corage, meaning "heart" or "courage," ultimately from Latin cor. The adjective "encouraging" arose by the 17th century, and the adverb was formed regularly with the -ly suffix. Cognates include the English words courage, courageous, and encouragement, all tracing back to the same Latin root for the physical heart, long regarded as the seat of feeling and bravery.
Related word forms
How encouragingly is actually used
Standard in both formal and informal registers. When modifying adjectives describing statistics or trends (e.g. "encouragingly low"), it carries a mildly formal, often journalistic tone.
Easily confused with encouragingly
"Encouraging" is the adjective describing something that gives hope, while "encouragingly" is its adverb form describing how an action is done.