Definition

Adjective: Giving strong encouragement; intended to urge, advise, or persuade earnestly.

Usage

The adjective "exhortatory" is used to describe language, a tone, or an action whose primary purpose is to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something. It is a formal word, often found in academic, religious, or rhetorical contexts.

Examples

• The coach gave an exhortatory speech at halftime to motivate the team.
• The letter from the principal was exhortatory, urging parents to participate more in school events.
• His sermon was more exhortatory than theological, focusing on calls to action.
• She adopted an exhortatory tone in her campaign, encouraging citizens to vote.

Advanced Usage

• Exhortatory Rhetoric: A style of speaking or writing designed to inspire or incite an audience to a specific belief or action. It is a key feature of motivational speeches, sermons, and political addresses.
  • The activist's speech was a masterpiece of exhortatory rhetoric, moving the crowd to immediate action.

Variants and Related Words

• Exhort (verb): To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.
  • The leader exhorted the people to remain calm.
• Exhortation (noun): An address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.
  • His passionate exhortation finally convinced them.
• Hortatory (adjective): A near synonym, also meaning giving strong encouragement or advice.

Synonyms

• Encouraging
• Urging
• Persuasive
• Advisory
• Hortative

Antonyms

• Discouraging
• Dissuasive
• Deterrent

Adjective

1. giving strong encouragement