exhort
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪkˈsɔːrt/
KK: /ɪkˈsɔrt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something, often with a sense of urgency.
Example
The teacher exhorted her students to study hard for the upcoming exams.
Tense Forms
Past: exhorted
Past Participle: exhorted
Conversation
I really think we should exhort our friends to join the charity run this weekend.
That's a great idea! It would be fun to do it together.
Yeah, and it's for a good cause, so we can motivate them more.
Absolutely! I'll help you spread the word.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
urge
encourage
advise
Antonyms
dissuade
discourage
prevent
transitive verb
Definition
To strongly encourage someone to do something, often with passionate advice or warnings.
Example
The coach exhorted the players to give their best effort in the final game.
Tense Forms
Past: exhorted
Past Participle: exhorted
Conversation
I think we should really exhort each other to study harder this semester.
That's a great idea! We can keep each other motivated.
Yeah, I feel like we could achieve so much more if we push ourselves.
Root Explanation
Exhort is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "hortari" (meaning to urge or encourage). The word means to urge someone strongly to do something, coming from the idea of urging someone out towards action.
Memory Tip
Think of someone urging you 'out' ('ex-') towards action or encouragement ('hortari'). This helps you remember that to exhort means to strongly encourage someone to take action.
Visually Confused Words
extort
export
dehort