to give someone the courage, confidence, or hope to do something. Ex: My parents encouraged me to go back to college.

to make something or someone more attractive by adding decorative elements, ornaments, or beauty to it. Ex: She likes to adorn herself with jewels.

to harm or damage something good. Ex: The celebrations were marred by the drunken fight.

to change or spoil the natural shape of something. Ex: His feet were slightly deformed from wearing the wrong size.

skilful and clever, especially in dealing with people. Ex: She is adroit at avoiding awkward questions.She is adroit at avoiding awkward questions.

very good or skilful at something. Ex: He's usually very adept at keeping his private life out of the media.

(used about a person) careless and likely to knock into, drop or break things. Ex: She undid the parcel with clumsy fingers.

extreme admiration. Ex: The band learned to deal with the adulation of their fans.

saying good things about somebody/something that you do not really mean. Ex: He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a statement or action that shows admiration for somebody. Ex: People often pay her compliments on her piano playing.People often pay her compliments on her piano playing.