Definition

Encouraging or urging someone to take action or do something.

Example

The teacher's hortative speech inspired the students to work harder.

Conversation

I read an article about how hortative language can motivate people to take action.

That's interesting! How does it work exactly?

It encourages positive behavior and pushes you to try new things.

I can see how that would be really effective in speeches or writing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hortative → It is formed from "hortari" (meaning to encourage or urge) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "hortative" describes something that has the nature of encouraging or urging action.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'urge' — 'hortari' means to encourage, and '-ive' indicates a quality. So, something hortative is encouraging action.

Visually Confused Words