Synonyms

hearten

American

[hahr-tn] / ˈhɑr tn /

verb (used with object)

to give courage or confidence to; cheer.

hearten British

/ ˈhɑːtən /

verb

to make or become cheerful

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

heartener noun
hearteningly adverb

Etymology

Origin of hearten

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The relatively shorter break, after the company picked 2025 as the potential date for BTS' return as a group, also appeared to hearten the market.

From Reuters • Oct. 18, 2022

There is also some quite progressive language in this draft decision that will hearten campaigners, specifically the mention of coal.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2021

Now I can admit to myself that I didn’t write the essay just to hearten a few conservationists and deflect some charitable dollars to better causes.

From The Guardian • Nov. 4, 2017

Expectations of a more stable partnership with business appeared to hearten investors.

From New York Times • Aug. 22, 2017

Ralph had watched the water fight with sadness in his heart, never guessing the scene would one day hearten him, as it did now.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023