Julgustab

Julgustab is an Estonian verb meaning to encourage, embolden, or spur someone to act. It is used transitively, typically with a person as the direct object and often accompanied by an infinitive clause describing the action encouraged. For example, "Õpetaja julgustab õpilasi väljendama oma arvamusi" means “The teacher encourages students to express their opinions,” and "Treener julgustab mängijaid jätkama" means “The coach encourages players to continue.”

Etymology and form: julgustama is the infinitive from which julgustab derives. The word is related to the noun julgus, meaning courage, and the adjective julgustav, meaning encouraging. The present tense form julgustab corresponds to the third-person singular, while other forms follow the standard Estonian conjugation for -ta verbs. Common related forms include julgustus (encouragement) and julgustamine (the act of encouraging).

Usage notes: julgustustab is commonly employed in education, leadership, sports, and motivational contexts to describe actions that boost confidence or resolve. In some contexts, it can convey moral support or the act of urging someone to take beneficial or prudent steps, though it can also imply urging someone toward a course of action that requires courage.

Negation and related meanings: to negate, use ei julgustusta; the sense remains tied to encouraging or emboldening, rather than coercing. The nuance centers on positive reinforcement and empowerment rather than pressure.

See also: julgustav (encouraging), julgustus (encouragement), julgustamine (the act of encouraging).