encouraging
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encouraging
Describing an effect that gives someone courage, hope, or confidence. Something that motivates a person to keep going or to dare to do something.
Deine positiven Worte vor der Prüfung waren wirklich sehr ermutigend.
Your positive words before the exam were really very encouraging.
The word is the present participle of the verb 'ermutigen' (to encourage). This verb is made up of the prefix 'er-', the noun 'Mut' (courage), and the ending '-igen'. It literally means to give someone courage or to bring about a state of courage.
Sein Lob war sehr ermutigend für das ganze Team.
His praise was very encouraging for the whole team.
'Ermutigend' (encouraging) can stand before a noun like a typical adjective or describe an action as an adverb. It can also be used on its own as a predicative adjective with verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'wirken' (to seem/have an effect).
Das war ein ermutigendes Ergebnis.
That was an encouraging result.
Common positive things that are described as 'ermutigend' (encouraging) are 'Worte' (words), 'Zeichen' (signs), 'Ergebnisse' (results), or 'Nachrichten' (messages/news).
Trotz der Schwierigkeiten gab es einige ermutigende Zeichen.
Despite the difficulties, there were some encouraging signs.
calming / reassuring
'beruhigend' and 'ermutigend' can both have a positive effect and give confidence. 'beruhigend' fits when fear, stress, or worries become smaller. 'ermutigend' fits when someone gains new courage and is more likely to continue or dare to do something. A message can be both: it is reassuring because it shows there is no danger, and encouraging because it gives hope. The words can be confused because both make someone feel better. Pay attention to the main focus: 'beruhigend' takes away unease, while 'ermutigend' gives strength and courage.
Seine Worte im Zug sind ermutigend, weil sie mir wieder Mut für das Gespräch geben.
His words on the train are encouraging because they give me courage again for the conversation.
Der Arzt hat heute nach dem Training eine beruhigende Nachricht gegeben.
The doctor gave reassuring news today after the training session.