hortatively

Hortatively refers to the hortative mood or the function of exhortation in language. It describes speech or writing that urges a group to take a collective action or to adopt a particular course, rather than giving a direct command. In English, the most common hortative construction is the phrase “let us,” as in “Let us begin” or “Let us pray,” which invites participation rather than imposes obedience.

Etymology and linguistic context place the term in the family of mood-based categories. The word derives from Latin hortari, meaning to urge or encourage. In linguistic descriptions, a hortative clause or sentence functions to exhort, approve, or rally speakers and listeners to act together. It is often discussed in contrast to the imperative (a direct command addressed to an individual or group) and to other moods such as the jussive or optative found in various languages.

Usage and examples vary by language. English largely relies on the “let us” construction to achieve a hortative effect, though similar exhortations can be expressed indirectly through modal verbs or polite requests. In many languages, hortative forms are explicit grammatical moods or verb forms that mark first-person plural exhortation, and they may be realized through subjunctive, optative, or dedicated hortative endings. In descriptive linguistics, hortatively can describe statements whose primary function is encouragement or solicitation of collective action.

Commonly, hortatively is encountered mainly in linguistic, rhetorical, and historical discussions rather than in everyday prose. It remains a niche term used to analyze how speakers induce group action through exhortation rather than through forceful commands. See also hortative, mood, jussive, optative.