exhortation

An exhortation is a forceful urging or pleading—a passionate attempt to persuade someone to do something, especially when it involves moral or ethical considerations. The word carries a weight of sincerity and often implies that the speaker believes strongly in the importance of their message. It's not just suggesting an action; it's imploring another person to take it.

The roots of "exhortation" lie in the idea of encouraging someone with heartfelt words, almost as if giving them strength through speech. Historically, you would find exhortations in religious texts—think of prophets urging people to repent or follow a righteous path. However, its use extends far beyond religion.

A politician might deliver an exhortation to citizens to vote, a teacher might offer one to students to study hard, and a friend might give one to another facing hardship. The key is the intensity and earnestness of the appeal. It's not a casual request; it's a compelling call to action fueled by strong belief.

You can give an exhortation as a speech, appeal, or plea, and you can also hear or respond to one. It often asks for some kind of answer, even if that answer is only serious thought. Think of Patrick Henry's famous line, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" That is a powerful example of this kind of urgent appeal in action.