The difference between Encourage and Reinforce

When used as verbs, encourage means to mentally support, whereas reinforce means to strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

check bellow for the other definitions of Encourage and Reinforce

  1. Encourage as a verb:

    To mentally support; to motivate, give courage, hope or spirit.

    Examples:

    "I encouraged him during his race."

  2. Encourage as a verb:

    To spur on, strongly recommend.

    Examples:

    "We encourage the use of bicycles in the town centre."

  3. Encourage as a verb:

    To foster, give help or patronage

    Examples:

    "The royal family has always encouraged the arts in word and deed"

  1. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

    Examples:

    "He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape."

  2. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To emphasize or review.

    Examples:

    "The right homework will reinforce and complement the lesson!"

  3. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To encourage (a behavior or idea) through repeated stimulus.

    Examples:

    "Advertising for fast food can reinforce unhealthy dietary tendencies."

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