ermuntern
Translation
to encourage, to cheer up, to hearten
Examples
Seine freundlichen Worte ermunterten mich.
His kind words encouraged me.
Sie ermunterte ihn, weiterzumachen.
She encouraged him to continue.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to encourage (sb.) His kind words encouraged me.
((sb.)) ((to do sth.)) to encourage (sb.) to do (sth.) She encouraged him to continue.
Similar Words
ermutigen (to encourage), anfeuern (to cheer on); Antonym: entmutigen (to discourage)
Etymology
From the prefix 'er-' (indicating a change of state) and 'munter' (cheerful, lively). Literally, 'to make someone cheerful'.
Memory Tips
You can see the word 'munter' (cheerful) inside. 'Ermuntern' is the action of making someone 'munter'.