hearten
verb (used with object)
to give courage or confidence to; cheer.
was heartening
-
past progressiveof hearten.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
So it was heartening to see, in addition to the longtime concertgoers who are legion, several former Ojai music directors, the title given annually to the person or group who is the festival’s public face.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
That said, it was heartening to witness the first-ever Oscar for best casting, which went to “One Battle After Another” casting director Cassandra Kulukundis.
From Salon ● Mar. 16, 2026
The warbling never improved, but it was heartening to see someone get over their paralyzing self-consciousness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2025
While observing some of the damage Tuesday night, Greenberg said it was heartening to see neighbors out helping others in need.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 3, 2024
It was heartening to see them there; my mother had journeyed all the way from the Transkei.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
