Furnishing ground to hope; inspiriting; favoring.

giving courage or confidence or hope; "encouraging advances in medical research"

furnishing support and encouragement; "the anxious child needs supporting and accepting treatment from the teacher"

(1) a defensive card play signal asking partner to lead or continue a specified suit;(2) a bid suggesting that partner continue to a higher contract.

tending to favor or bring good luck; "miracles are auspicious accidents"; "encouraging omens"; "a favorable time to ask for a raise"; "lucky stars"; "a prosperous moment to make a decision"

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