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Synonyms

hearten

American  
[hahr-tn] / ˈhɑr tn /

verb (used with object)

  1. to give courage or confidence to; cheer.


hearten British  
/ ˈhɑːtən /

verb

  1. 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.

They’ve also led him to the heartening and hard-won conclusion that we control how we respond to our emotions: “Reject nothing. Receive everything. See what you learn.”

From The Wall Street Journal

To the audience, it’s a heartening buddy dramedy about two boys choosing to forge a brighter path and quickly realizing they make each other better people.

From Salon

While Johnson said the outpouring for the family is heartening, others say they have been left uneasy.

From The Wall Street Journal

There’s no way to replace all that was lost in less than two weeks, but Smook has been heartened by the support.

From Los Angeles Times

But Lee was also heartened to learn from her acupuncturist that she, as a Sheep, is one of the best animals to parent a Horse baby.

From Los Angeles Times