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

Their hope is heartening - but I still don't see a clear path out.

From BBC

Were you heartened by how USC scored every time it was in the red zone or alarmed by its three separate illegal-use-of-hands penalties on defense?

From Los Angeles Times

"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

Related Words

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