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

Plosky says he’s heartened by growing momentum at the federal level to address infrastructure challenges that exacerbate racial inequality and climate change.

From MIT Technology Review

He also said he was heartened to hear that lawmakers will tap the state’s general fund this year, but he worries what will happen if they fail to permanently restore the tax.

From ProPublica

I am heartened by actors and other people who have been coming out—Demi Lovato gave me such joy the other week.

From Time

I am heartened that this is a long shot from a legal and procedural standpoint, because the ramifications would be devastating.

From Washington Post

I remember feeling heartened by the quick regrouping, which I read as a sign of resilience and solidarity.

From Quartz

Andy Green rolled over and sent him a friendly glance just to hearten him a bit.

From Project Gutenberg

I cried, to hearten me—for we were both counting the days now between us and the fishing.

From Project Gutenberg

I could not hear what he said, but the men began to count off, and their voices were resolute enough to hearten all.

From Project Gutenberg

Then it was that Isaac's nonsense really served to hearten us.

From Project Gutenberg

The way was led by the clergy, and quickly a church was built to hearten the emigrants.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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