Hearten

v.hopeful, resilientwarm

What it means

To strengthen someone's courage, confidence, or hope.

Reach for it when describing encouragement that makes continued effort feel possible

The volunteers' early progress will hearten families waiting for repairs.

everyday
cheer
the immediate aim is lifting a low mood
not when Cheering someone can be brief and playful rather than courage-building.
everyday
encourage
you mean giving general confidence or support to act
not when Encourage can also mean urging action, while hearten stresses renewed spirit.
warm
comfort
care eases distress after pain or loss
not when Comfort is gentler and does not require added courage for what comes next.
warm
inspire
the support awakens purpose or a larger ambition
not when Inspire overshoots when a small sign simply makes someone less discouraged.
warm
reassure
fear or doubt eases because safety or support is made clear
not when Reassurance may calm someone without restoring determination.
professional
motivate
the desired effect is renewed effort toward a goal
not when Motivation can come from pressure or reward, not necessarily hope.
literary
buoy
news or companionship keeps spirits from sinking
not when Buoy is figurative and less direct in practical workplace writing.
literary
embolden
new confidence makes a person more willing to take a risk
not when It can imply recklessness or confrontation that hearten does not.

hearten supporters
The clear timetable should hearten supporters after months of uncertainty.
heartened by
Residents were heartened by the careful work already visible on the bridge.
greatly hearten
A message from her former pupils would greatly hearten the retiring teacher.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.