exhort

Exhort is a verb meaning to urge or encourage someone to do something with earnest appeal or advice. It conveys moral suasion or persuasive exhortation rather than a direct command.

Etymology and forms: Exhort derives from Latin exhortare, from ex- meaning “out” and hortari meaning “to urge, encourage.” The related noun is exhortation, and adjectives such as exhortative or exhortatory describe something that serves to exhort. An exhorter is a person who exhorts.

Usage and nuance: Exhort is typically transitive, used with an object who is being urged. For example, "The coach exhorted the players to train harder." It is common in formal, religious, or rhetorical contexts, but can appear in secular discourse as well. Exhortation often aims to motivate moral or principled action and may carry a tone of urgency.

Context and connotations: The term emphasizes persuasion and moral appeal rather than command or coercion. Depending on context, exhortation can range from uplifting encouragement to stern admonition, and may be perceived as persistent or earnest.

See also: Exhortation, exhortative, exhortatory, exhorter. Related concepts include urging, advising, admonishing, and moral suasion.