hearten
Americanverb (used with object)
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heartens,
present (3rd person singular)
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heartened,
past participle, past
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heartening
present participle
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
heartensimple
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heartenssimple
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have heartenedperfect
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has heartenedperfect
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am hearteningprogressive
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are hearteningprogressive
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is hearteningprogressive
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have been hearteningperfect progressive
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has been hearteningperfect progressive
Past
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heartenedsimple
-
had heartenedperfect
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was hearteningprogressive
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were hearteningprogressive
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had been hearteningperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of hearten
Explanation
Things that hearten you cheer you up. A welcome home party will hearten even the weariest traveler. You might buy flowers for your grandmother to hearten her after a difficult week, or hearten a shy tap dancer with applause after his routine. Things that encourage or inspire, whether it's the sight of your dog waiting for you outside school or another person's success, can also be said to hearten. The figurative meaning of heart — as in "losing heart" or having a "change of heart" — is at the root of hearten, from the Old English heorte, "heart, soul, or spirit."
Vocabulary lists containing hearten
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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.
See Examples For:
This will hearten Kyiv, which has demanded more pressure be placed on Russia in talks between Moscow and Washington discussing a possible ceasefire.
From BBC ● May 1, 2025
The outpouring of love and offers of support hearten us.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 27, 2023
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
But what if you’re looking to hearten rather than startle the soul?
From New York Times ● Oct. 29, 2020
“Poor girl, you’re worn out. It isn’t like you to be forlorn. Stop a bit. I’ll hearten you up in a jiffy.”
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
It heartens her when people tell her they are vaccinated and boosted, if eligible.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2022
It fortifies and heartens me to witness the protests against this practice and the growing clamor from serious, nonpartisan public servants to redress it.
From New York Times ● Jun. 26, 2020
“What heartens me is that Republicans and Democrats both hear about this issue,” she said.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 6, 2019
And though I know his battle against the shadows that kept him company in solitary are not yet won, he is getting better, which heartens me.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 30, 2018
Enjoy the joke with the mirth that heals and heartens, and speedily correct your mistakes.
From What Dress Makes of Us by Dorothy Quigley
On X, Kundizeza said he was heartened by "the numerous messages of solidarity from fellow writers and readers", ending his message by saying: "Most importantly, I will continue to write."
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
"And I was heartened to hear Julia reflect that that was the experience that took place in our office."
From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026
Lee was heartened that her new bosses seemed excited to have her.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
Investors seemed heartened by news that British authorities have cleared Ellison’s proposed takeover.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026
It heartened her to see her friend happy and fat.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
Asked about the video footage of the snake on the Orange County beach, Crowell said it was heartening to see someone trying to help the sea snake.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
"I find it very heartening," 24-year-old Magnus Bjerg Sturm told AFP at the Social Democrats party at a Stockholm conference centre.
From Barron's ● Sep. 13, 2026
Not to tout major corporations too much, but it is heartening to see that even businesses worth billions of dollars have their customer in mind, too.
From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2026
"We didn't realise how wide the interest is; it's heartening to see that a lot of people care about this farm," said Hicks.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
“They are more heartening and acceptable during times of stress.”
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
