Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Encouraging /ĕn-kẽr'-ĭj-ĭng/ · En·cour·a·ging · IPA /ɪnˈkɝɹɪd͡ʒɪŋ/ 01 a. Furnishing ground to hope; inspiriting; favoring. 1. Furnishing ground to hope; inspiriting; favoring.