hearten

verb

heart·​en ˈhär-tᵊn How to pronounce hearten (audio)
heartened; heartening ˈhär-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce hearten (audio)
ˈhärt-niŋ

transitive verb

: to give heart to : cheer
hearteningly
ˈhär-tᵊn-iŋ-lē How to pronounce hearten (audio)
ˈhärt-niŋ-
adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for hearten

encourage, inspirit, hearten, embolden mean to fill with courage or strength of purpose.

encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency.

the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts

inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something.

patriots inspirited the people to resist

hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal.

a hospital patient heartened by good news

embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance.

emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb

Examples of hearten in a Sentence

The team's victory has heartened its fans. thinking we were hopelessly lost, we were heartened by the sight of a familiar farmhouse
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scientists are heartened by the coral’s rediscovery. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 July 2025 We are heartened that the ABA Task Force's final report may encourage the states to reconsider the bans on fusion voting passed by the major parties a century ago. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Jones opposed such efforts and his words would hearten the backers of the current Conservancy. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 As academics, we are heartened that more institutions—not just those with deep pockets—are joining Harvard in standing up against these assaults on our freedoms. Sarah Blomeley, Time, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hearten

Word History

First Known Use

1524, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hearten was in 1524

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hearten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hearten. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

hearten

verb
heart·​en ˈhärt-ᵊn How to pronounce hearten (audio)
heartened; heartening ˈhärt-niŋ How to pronounce hearten (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
: to cheer up : encourage

More from Merriam-Webster on hearten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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