Heartening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Positive reinforcement, known as 'heartening', has been shown to improve mood and motivation.
• Acts of kindness or receiving encouraging words can lead to a surge of oxytocin, often referred to as the 'love hormone', contributing to a heartening effect.
• Research indicates that when people engage in gratitude practices, they experience heartening emotions that enhance overall well-being.

Literature

• In many stories, characters often find heartening moments that help them overcome difficulties, such as love, friendship, or support from others.
• Poets frequently use heartening imagery, like sunlight breaking through clouds, to convey hope and resilience in tough times.
• Classic literature often includes heartening themes, reminding readers that even in despair, there are reasons to be hopeful.

Pop Culture

• Heartening messages in popular songs often focus on themes of love, recovery, and triumph over adversity, resonating with many listeners.
• Movies with heartening endings tend to be more beloved, as they leave audiences uplifted, showcasing the power of positivity.
• Social media has become a platform for heartening content, where videos and memes spread joy and encouragement among users.

Health

• Engaging in activities that are heartening, such as volunteering, can boost mental health significantly.
• Heartening experiences, like laughing with friends or spending time in nature, have been linked to lower stress levels and improved mood.
• Therapies that focus on positive experiences and emotions usually incorporate heartening elements to help clients heal and grow.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'heartening' comes from the word 'heart', which has roots in Old English 'heorte', meaning the center of feeling and emotion.
• The suffix '-ening' indicates the process of doing something, so 'heartening' essentially means making the heart feel better.
• Historically, the heart has been associated with bravery and strength, which is reflected in language, where 'heart' signifies courage and spirit.

The word 'heartening' originates from the verb 'hearten', which dates back to the 16th century. The suffix '-ing' is added to form the adjective 'heartening', giving the sense of causing positive emotions or encouragement. Over time, 'heartening' has become a commonly used term to describe things that uplift or inspire others.

See also: brokenhearted, dishearten, disheartened, disheartening, halfheartedly, heart, heartache, heartbeat, heartbreak, heartbreaker, heartbreaking, heartbreakingly, heartbroken, heartfelt, heartily, heartland, heartless, heartlessly, heartlessness, heartsease, heartthrob, heartwarming, hearty.

Positioned at #24,808, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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