hearten

[ hahr-tn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to give courage or confidence to; cheer.

hearten

/ ˈhɑːtən /

verb

1. to make or become cheerful

Other Words From

• hearten·er noun
• hearten·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearten¹

First recorded in 1520–30; heart + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Diplomats have been heartened by more pragmatic economic advisers to the President-elect suggesting that friendly allies might get a better deal.

From BBC

A father who never got to coach his son was heartened.

From Los Angeles Times

“The amount of support and love and encouragement that I’ve gotten from the most unlikely places and people has been just remarkably heartening.”

From Los Angeles Times

She said she was “so heartened and impressed” that Harris chose Walz as her running mate, “who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.”

From Los Angeles Times

Janet Carter, senior director of issues and appeals at the gun control group Everytown Law, said her group didn’t agree with all aspects of the decision, but still found it “heartening.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animate
• arouse
• assure
• buoy
• cheer
• comfort
• embolden
• encourage
• energize
• inspire
• reassure
• strengthen