Exhortation

Exhortation

ˌekˌsôrˈtāSHən

Noun

  • An address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.

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Example Sentences

“When he grabs something he shouldn’t, my dog usually heeds my stern exhortation to ‘drop it!'”

“The teachers signaled the end of recess with a verbal exhortation and three short claps.”

“No amount of exhortation can convince Lacy to break the rules.”

Word Origin

Latin, late 14th century

Why this word?

“Exhortation” can be easily confused with “extortion.” Both words concern an attempt to get something from someone, but an exhortation is more of an emotional or persuasive appeal, while extortion involves force or threats. During election season, for example, many of us face exhortations from various candidates to vote for them or to donate to their campaigns — but if we found ourselves subject to extortion from a candidate, that would surely be grounds for booting them from the race.

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