to make someone more likely to do something, or to make something more likely to happen

[ T + to infinitive ] We were encouraged to learn foreign languages at school. 在校时，学校鼓励我们学习外语。

The council is encouraging the development of the property for both employment and recreation. 市政委员会鼓励开发该房地产项目旨在促进就业和增加娱乐设施。

to talk or behave in a way that gives someone confidence to do something

They've always encouraged me in everything I've wanted to do. 不论我想做什么，他们总是会鼓励我。