Exhortation
noun /ˌeɡ.zɔːˈteɪ.ʃən/ — An urgent appeal; strongly encouraging others to act
Definition
A strong appeal or urging — speech designed to encourage, inspire, or impel others to action. Exhortation is more intense than advice: it appeals to the will as much as to the reason.
Beyond the definition
The speech that asks for more than agreement. Exhortation is not just persuasion — it is moral urgency, the insistence that this matters and you should act. Sermons, rallying speeches, last instructions.
Origin & history
From Latin 'exhortatio' (encouragement, urging) — from 'exhortari' (to urge greatly) — 'ex-' (thoroughly) + 'hortari' (to encourage). Related to 'horticulture' — the urging that makes things grow.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The coach's exhortation before the final was brief and specific — no generalities, no clichés, just what was needed.
Prophetic literature is full of exhortation: not prediction so much as urgent moral instruction.
An exhortation assumes that the listener can do better — it is a form of compliment as well as demand.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Exhortation” when the meaning fits your context: A strong appeal or urging — speech designed to encourage, inspire, or impel others to action. Exhortation is more intense than advice: it appeals to the will as much as to the reason.
Synonyms
appeal, urging, encouragement, incitement, adjuration
Antonyms
dissuasion, discouragement
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Assertive Orator on Stage
An orator stands on a stage, arms wide in a commanding gesture, clearly urging the audience toward a specific path.
The strong, appeal-like gesture and intent expression show the orator is trying to move the audience's will, representing an exhortation rather than mere advice.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Exhortation" mean?
Exhortation is noun meaning: An urgent appeal; strongly encouraging others to act. A strong appeal or urging — speech designed to encourage, inspire, or impel others to action. Exhortation is more intense than advice: it appeals to the will as much as to the reason.
Where does the word "Exhortation" come from?
From Latin 'exhortatio' (encouragement, urging) — from 'exhortari' (to urge greatly) — 'ex-' (thoroughly) + 'hortari' (to encourage). Related to 'horticulture' — the urging that makes things grow.