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 Word Forms

• heartener noun
• hearteningly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearten¹

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

Example Sentences

"We are heartened the court prevented this injustice from occurring before hundreds of children suffered irreparable harm."

From BBC

In a world that often feels bleak, and where domestic pleasures are increasingly dismissed as “trad-wifery,” it’s heartening to see one of the most powerful women in the world kneading a rainbow-speckled funfetti loaf.

From Salon

Alliance, said after the meeting that he was “heartened that the city didn’t give this misadventure a blank check.”

From Los Angeles Times

Hall said she was heartened by Pastor, who proposed more traditional buildings.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the things we experienced during the fires and their aftermath —one of the things that was most heartening — was the way people came together.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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