Pronunciation: [ɛɡzˈɔːts] (IPA) 
The word "exhorts" is spelled with an "x" followed by "h" which might seem confusing since the "x" sound is not commonly associated with /h/. However, the IPA phonetic transcription explains this spelling: /ɪɡˈzɔːrts/. The "x" here represents the sound /ɡz/ (like in "exact" or "exist"), followed by the letter "h" pronounced as /h/. This word means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something, often with passion or emotion.
Exhorts is a verb which is derived from the word "exhort," and it refers to the act of strongly urging or encouraging someone to take a certain course of action. When somebody exhorts others, they are providing motivation, support, and counsel, usually in a persuasive manner, with the intent of pushing them toward a specific behavior or mindset.
Exhortations often come from a position of authority, expertise, or personal experience, as they seek to guide and inspire individuals towards positive change or desired outcomes. Such encouragement can be given in various contexts, including personal relationships, educational settings, workplaces, or communities.
The verb exhorts can also encompass the act of advising, pleading, or instructing individuals to adhere to certain principles, values, or beliefs. It generally involves passionate speech or writing directed at an individual or a collective group, aiming to instill determination, motivation, or a sense of duty.
Exhortations are powerful tools for creating a sense of unity, fostering personal growth, and inciting action towards a common cause. They can be found in religious sermons, motivational speeches, political campaigns, or calls to action in social movements.
In summary, "exhorts" is a verb used to describe the act of strongly urging or encouraging others to take a specific action or adopt a particular mindset, often by providing motivation, support, and persuasive guidance.
The word "exhorts" comes from the Old French verb "exhorter", which was derived from the Latin verb "exhortari". In Latin, "exhortari" was formed by combining "ex-" (meaning "out") with "hortari" (meaning "to encourage, incite"). Ultimately, "hortari" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*gher-", which meant "to like, desire". This root gave rise to various words related to encouragement, urging, and motivation in different languages, including "exhorts" in English.
