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Hearten: meaning, definitions and examples

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hearten

 

[ ˈhɑːrtən ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotional support

To hearten someone means to encourage or uplift them, providing a sense of hope or strength in challenging situations. It is often used in the context of giving someone reassurance or motivation.

Synonyms

cheer, encourage, inspire, uplift

Examples of usage

  • Her words really heartened me during tough times.
  • The coach's speech was meant to hearten the team before the big game.
  • The community came together to hearten those affected by the disaster.

Etymology

The word 'hearten' derives from the Middle English term 'herten,' which means to make strong, to invigorate, or to sustain. This, in turn, comes from the Old English 'heorot,' meaning a heart or courage. Historically, the use of 'hearten' was deeply connected to the emotional and spiritual aspects of human experience, signifying the act of filling one with courage or resolve. The term gained traction in literature and everyday language during the 14th century as people began to seek and offer emotional support amidst societal changes and challenges. Over time, 'hearten' has maintained its relevance as a verb that connects to the innate human desire for encouragement and hope in face of adversity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,425, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.