exhort
UK[ɪɡˈzɔːt]US[ɪɡˈzɔːrt]
v
To strongly encourage or urge someone to do something.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
hort
ex
out
hort
urge
Etymology
The word "exhort" originates from the Latin verb exhortari, a compound of the intensive prefix ex- ("out, thoroughly") and the verb hortari ("to urge, encourage"). Hortari itself is believed to derive from a Proto-Indo-European root related to incitement or urging. The literal sense of "to urge out" evolved into the modern meaning of earnestly advising or strongly encouraging someone to take a specific course of action. It entered English via Old French exhorter in the late 14th century, retaining its core sense of vigorous encouragement.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + hort (urge)
- ex: A Latin prefix meaning "out, thoroughly."
- hort: A Latin root from hortari, meaning "to urge, encourage."
Examples
The coach exhorted the team to give their final effort in the last minutes of the game.
Community leaders exhorted the public to participate in the upcoming election.
The ancient text contains passages exhorting readers to live a life of virtue and compassion.