encourager
UK[ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒə]US[ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒər]
n
A person or thing that encourages someone or something.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
courage
er
en
to put into
courage
bravery
er
agent suffix
Etymology
The word 'encourager' is built upon the verb 'encourage', which entered English from Old French encoragier, meaning "to make strong, hearten". Its literal construction is transparent: the prefix en- (to put into) is combined with courage (heart, spirit), creating the sense "to put heart into someone". The agent noun suffix -er is then appended, following a standard Germanic pattern to denote the performer of the action. Thus, an encourager is etymologically "one who puts heart or bravery into another", a meaning that remains closely aligned with its modern use of offering support, confidence, and hope.
Analysis
Structure: en (to put into) + courage (bravery) + er (agent suffix)
- en: From Old French, ultimately from Latin in- meaning "in, into". A prefix indicating causation or transformation.
- courage: From Old French corage, from Latin cor (heart). The core element representing the state of mind (bravery, spirit) to be instilled.
- er: From Old English -ere, a Germanic agent suffix denoting "one who does or is associated with".
Examples
She was a constant encourager, always believing in my potential when I doubted myself.
The teacher's role is not just as an instructor but as a motivator and encourager.
Positive feedback can be a powerful encourager for continued effort and improvement.