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

Its inclusion will hearten many developing nations, which have been asking for a clear financial commitment to tackle the impacts of climate change that they can't adapt to.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2021

But what if you’re looking to hearten rather than startle the soul?

From New York Times • Oct. 29, 2020

If you like omens, here’s one to hearten Seahawks fans — the last time Seattle opened the preseason against the Chargers on the road the Seahawks went on to win the Super Bowl.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 12, 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