Definition
励 is a bound morpheme (b.f.) meaning 'to encourage, urge, or motivate'. It cannot stand alone as a verb; you must use it within compounds such as 鼓励 (gǔlì, to encourage), 奖励 (jiǎnglì, to reward), and 激励 (jīlì, to inspire). Advanced learners should recognize it as the core element in these common words.
b.f.
(bound form) to encourageto urgeto motivate
Examples
- 。Lǎoshī gǔlì wǒ jìxù nǔlì.The teacher encouraged me to keep working hard.
- 。Gōngsī jiǎnglì le yōuxiù de yuángōng.The company rewarded the excellent employees.
- 。Tā de huà jīlì le dàjiā de shìqì.His words boosted everyone's morale.
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