hearten
/'hɑ:tn/
Definition
Verb: To make someone feel more cheerful, hopeful, or confident; to encourage or lift someone's spirits.
Usage
The verb "hearten" is used to describe the action of giving emotional support or positive reinforcement to someone, often when they are feeling discouraged. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the person or group being encouraged). It is often used in more formal or literary contexts than simpler synonyms like "cheer up."
Examples
- The coach's speech before the game heartened the team.
- Seeing so many people volunteer to help heartened the organizers of the event.
- It heartened me to receive your supportive letter during a difficult time.
- The positive economic report is a heartening sign for the future. (Here, "heartening" is the present participle used as an adjective.)
Advanced Usage
- To be heartened by something: To feel encouraged as a result of something.
- We were heartened by the public's generous response to our campaign.
- A heartening sight/development/sign: Something that serves as a source of encouragement.
- The reconciliation between the two leaders was a heartening development.
Variants and Related Words
- Heartening (adjective): Causing feelings of cheer and hope.
- The progress they have made is truly heartening.
- Dishearten (verb): The direct opposite of "hearten," meaning to cause someone to lose determination or confidence.
- The constant criticism began to dishearten the young artist.
Synonyms
- Encourage
- Cheer (up)
- Buoy (up)
- Inspire
- Uplift
- Boost (someone's) morale
Antonyms
- Dishearten
- Discourage
- Demoralize
- Depress
- Dismay
Verb
-
give encouragement to
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