Hortatory

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈhɔːtəˌtɔːri/

Definitions

• 1. Encouraging or urging action, typically in a persuasive or motivational manner.
• 2. Intended to encourage or inspire people to take action or follow a certain course.

Usage Examples

• "The leader gave a hortatory speech to inspire the crowd to vote."
• "The teacher's hortatory remarks motivated the students to do better in their studies."
• "His hortatory efforts were aimed at pushing for a change in policy."

Etymology

The word "hortatory" comes from the Latin word "hortari," meaning "to encourage" or "to exhort." The suffix "-ory" is used to form adjectives meaning "pertaining to," so "hortatory" refers to something that has the function or quality of encouraging or urging others.

Synonyms

• Exhortatory
• Encouraging
• Motivational
• Inspirational
• Urging

Antonyms

• Discouraging
• Deterrent
• Inhibitory
• Resistant

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈhɔːtəˌtɔːri/
• American English: /ˈhɔːrtətɔːri/
• Australian English: /ˈhɔːtəˌtɔːri/

Historical Usage

The term "hortatory" has been used since the 17th century, primarily to describe language or speeches that are intended to inspire action, encourage change, or motivate people toward a cause. In political speeches, for instance, hortatory language has been used to rally support for various movements, from social causes to wars. The word has retained its association with motivational or persuasive speech through the centuries.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, hortatory speech is vital in political campaigns, religious sermons, and social movements. The effectiveness of such speech relies on its ability to connect with the audience emotionally and encourage them to take action. In modern times, hortatory language is still used in advertisements, motivational speakers, and online influencers, where persuasive language plays a key role in shaping public opinion.

More Information

Hortatory language is an important tool in rhetoric, often used in speeches, writings, or performances designed to motivate and inspire action. Whether it's a political leader urging citizens to vote, a coach motivating athletes to push beyond their limits, or a religious leader calling followers to embrace a moral principle, hortatory speech can be a powerful way to influence behavior. It is often associated with positive encouragement, but it can also be used in a more forceful or urgent context to elicit immediate action.