Urging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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urging

[ˈɜrdʒɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

encouraging action

Urging refers to the act of strongly encouraging or pushing someone to take a particular action. It often implies a sense of urgency or importance about the situation. This term can apply to various contexts, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or social causes. When someone is urging another, they may express their feelings passionately to prompt a response or change. The term can also imply a degree of insistence or persistence in communication.

Synonyms

advocating, encouraging, insisting, pressing, prompting.

Examples of usage

  • She was urging him to apply for the job.
  • The teacher is urging students to study harder before the exams.
  • He kept urging his friends to join the campaign.
  • They were urging the government to take action.
  • I’m urging you to consider all your options.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Urging can activate the brain's reward system, leading to a sense of achievement when actions are completed.
  • The desire to urge someone is often linked to empathy, as people feel motivated to help others succeed.
  • Studies suggest that urging behaviors can enhance motivation levels in group settings, promoting teamwork.

Literature

  • In many narratives, characters experience inner urging, which often drives plot decisions and reveals their motivations.
  • Famous authors often use the concept of urgency to build tension, creating a sense of need for immediate action.
  • The use of urging as a literary device can symbolize deeper psychological struggles within characters.

Cultural Expression

  • In various cultures, urging can be expressed through rituals, such as encouraging a child to take their first steps.
  • Song lyrics often contain themes of urging, calling listeners to action on social issues or personal growth.
  • The concept shows up in motivational speeches, where speakers aim to urge their audience towards positive changes.

Social Dynamics

  • In group settings or workplaces, urging can lead to accountability, where team members support each other to achieve goals.
  • Peer urging, especially among friends or family, can significantly influence personal choices and behavioral changes.
  • Psychological research indicates that how someone is urged can impact the likelihood of compliance, with supportive urging being more effective.

Origin of 'urging'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'urging', which means to press forward or encourage.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'urgere', meaning to drive or push.
  • The transition into English occurred in the late Middle Ages, reflecting a growing emphasis on persuasion.

The word 'urge' originates from the Latin word 'urgere', which means to press or drive. It entered the English lexicon in the late Middle Ages, initially showing up in the 14th century. The transition from the Latin root to Middle English involved a transformation in meaning from merely physical pressing to also include emotional or persuasive pressing. The suffix 'ing' indicates a continuous action, thus 'urging' conveys ongoing encouragement or pressure to act. Over the centuries, the term has maintained its core connotation of insistence and encouragement, appearing in various literary and colloquial contexts. Today, 'urging' is widely used in both formal and informal communication, encompassing a range of scenarios from personal motivation to political advocacy.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,983 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.