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

So I’m heartened, and I’ll tell you, it’s encouraging to me that appropriators have not ceased their work.

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The warbling never improved, but it was heartening to see someone get over their paralyzing self-consciousness.

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In these tinderbox times, there is something heartening in the daily gathering.

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It’s heartening, especially once viewers realize these are fellow Borderland escapees who have picked themselves up from the dire circumstances that led to their otherworldly journey in the first place.

Read more on Salon

Regardless, we should all be very heartened to know that, for the time being, Kimmel has no intention of quitting his day job.

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Related Words

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