Exhortar is a formal verb used when you want to strongly and earnestly encourage someone to take a specific action.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To strongly urge or encourage someone to perform an action.
- Used in formal and serious communication contexts.
- Implies a moral obligation or significant importance.
Overview
Exhortar es un verbo transitivo de registro elevado que implica una fuerte recomendación o una petición vehemente. A diferencia de 'pedir' o 'invitar', exhortar conlleva un peso moral o una urgencia que sugiere que la acción es necesaria o beneficiosa para quien la recibe. 2) Usage Patterns: Se construye generalmente con la estructura 'exhortar a alguien a [hacer algo]'. Es común verlo en noticias, documentos legales o discursos religiosos. Por ejemplo: 'El gobierno exhortó a la población a mantener la calma'. 3) Common Contexts: Se emplea mucho en el ámbito político (exhortar a la unidad), religioso (exhortar a la fe) y cívico (exhortar a cumplir las normas). Es una palabra que denota autoridad y seriedad. 4) Similar Words comparison: Mientras que 'animar' es positivo y cercano, 'exhortar' es más solemne. 'Instar' es un sinónimo muy cercano que también implica urgencia, mientras que 'rogar' implica una posición de inferioridad o desesperación que 'exhortar' no necesariamente posee.
Examples
El profesor exhortó a sus alumnos a no rendirse.
everydayThe teacher urged his students not to give up.
La ONU exhortó a los países a reducir emisiones.
formalThe UN urged countries to reduce emissions.
Me exhortó a cambiar mi actitud de inmediato.
informalHe/She urged me to change my attitude immediately.
El obispo exhortó a los fieles a la oración.
academicThe bishop urged the faithful to pray.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
hacer una exhortación
to make an exhortation
exhortar a la calma
to urge calm
recibir una exhortación
to receive an urging
Often Confused With
Exhortar es el verbo (acción), mientras que 'exhorto' es el sustantivo (el mensaje o la petición en sí).
Exigir implica una demanda obligatoria o una orden, mientras que exhortar es una petición persuasiva y moral.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Exhortar is a formal register word. It is rarely used in spoken Spanish unless in a speech or a very serious discussion. Its usage is primarily found in written media, legal documents, and religious texts.
Common Mistakes
People often forget the preposition 'a' after the verb. Another mistake is using it as a synonym for 'asking a favor', which is too weak for the intensity of this word.
Tips
Use it in formal writing only
Reserve this word for professional emails, essays, or formal speeches. It is too heavy for casual chat.
Do not confuse with simple requests
Using 'exhortar' for simple tasks like 'pass the salt' will sound bizarre. Use it only for important matters.
Religious and political roots
This word is frequently used in sermons and political manifestos to call for moral or civic duty.
Word Origin
Derived from Latin 'exhortari', meaning to encourage or incite. It combines 'ex-' (thoroughly) and 'hortari' (to encourage).
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, this word is very common in political rhetoric when leaders want to sound authoritative yet democratic. It is also a staple in Catholic liturgical language.
Memory Tip
Think of 'exhort' as 'extra heart'. When you exhort someone, you put extra heart into your request to move them to action.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, es un término formal. Se utiliza principalmente en el lenguaje periodístico, político o literario, no en conversaciones casuales entre amigos.
Invitar es una sugerencia amable y opcional. Exhortar es una petición mucho más seria y urgente que espera una respuesta o acción concreta.
Es poco común. Si lo usas con amigos o familia, sonará irónico, demasiado serio o como si estuvieras dando un sermón.
El verbo exhortar siempre requiere la preposición 'a' antes de la acción que se solicita. Por ejemplo: 'Exhorto a todos a participar'.
Test Yourself
El director ___ a los estudiantes a estudiar más.
El sujeto es 'el director' (tercera persona singular) y el contexto sugiere un evento pasado.
¿Qué palabra sustituye mejor a 'exhortar'?
Ambos verbos implican urgencia y persuasión para que alguien haga algo.
a / los / exhortó / ciudadanos / votar / el alcalde.
Sigue la estructura sujeto + verbo + objeto + preposición + infinitivo.
Score: /3
Summary
Exhortar is a formal verb used when you want to strongly and earnestly encourage someone to take a specific action.
- To strongly urge or encourage someone to perform an action.
- Used in formal and serious communication contexts.
- Implies a moral obligation or significant importance.
Use it in formal writing only
Reserve this word for professional emails, essays, or formal speeches. It is too heavy for casual chat.
Do not confuse with simple requests
Using 'exhortar' for simple tasks like 'pass the salt' will sound bizarre. Use it only for important matters.
Religious and political roots
This word is frequently used in sermons and political manifestos to call for moral or civic duty.
Examples
4 of 4El profesor exhortó a sus alumnos a no rendirse.
The teacher urged his students not to give up.
La ONU exhortó a los países a reducir emisiones.
The UN urged countries to reduce emissions.
Me exhortó a cambiar mi actitud de inmediato.
He/She urged me to change my attitude immediately.
El obispo exhortó a los fieles a la oración.
The bishop urged the faithful to pray.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More religion words
abad
B2The superior of an abbey of monks, or of a monastery.
abadesa
B2The female superior of a community of nuns.
abadía
B1A monastery or convent governed by an abbot or abbess.
adoración
A2The act of worshiping or showing deep reverence for a deity.
agnóstica
B1A person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God (feminine).
agnosticismo
B2The view that the existence of God, of the divine or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable.
agnóstico
B1A person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God (masculine).
alabar
A2To express warm approval or admiration for; to praise God.
aleluya
A2An exclamation of praise or triumph, often used in religious contexts.
altar
A2A table or sacred place used for religious rituals or offerings.
