Heartened

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Being in a state of emotional uplift often occurs when receiving encouragement or support, which can inspire a renewed sense of hope and positivity
2. Experiencing a boost in confidence and optimism due to positive events or support
3. Gaining renewed courage or enthusiasm after receiving reassurance or uplifting news

Etymology: "Heartened" is the past tense of "hearten," which is built from the noun "heart" and the suffix "-en," used to make verbs. The verb means to put heart into someone, to give courage or cheer, and the phrase "lose heart" (to lose courage or hope) shows the same underlying idea of the heart as the seat of spirit and resolve. The noun itself is ancient in English. It descends from Old English "heorte," which in turn comes from a Germanic word with cognates across the family, and it has long been used for emotion and courage as well as the organ in the chest. Turning that noun into a verb was a simple step: to hearten someone was literally to give them heart. The "-en" ending does the same job it does in words like "widen," "lessen," and "strengthen," turning a noun or adjective into a verb meaning to make or give something. So "heartened" describes someone who has had heart restored to them, and the word stays close to its physical origin.

Synonyms: encouraged, uplifted

Antonyms: discouraged, disheartened