Many words lose a fair amount of their semantic load, being torn out of a phrase. Some terms appeared in the language and/or were developed in translations of the biblical text, adapting it to Russian people. Among them is "exhortation". This is an ambiguous synonym for persuasion, which can be interpreted, depending on the circumstances, as "comfort" or even "encourage". Let's look at the context.
Biblical etymology
In the original text in Greek, the verb "paraclein" is often found. The root noun "parakletos" means the Holy Spirit, and the literal translation in this case is:
- comforter;
- support.
If we are talking specifically about an action, then exhortation is an appeal to a crowd or a specific person. The format of the appeal may change:
- call or invitation;
- appeal to someone;
- detailed request;
- consolation or encouragement to the afflicted.
But this is a literal reading, which some researchers see only within the framework of the concept of soul salvation. Philologists interpret the concept more broadly, give its explanation for various everyday situations.
Daily communication
The word is often used in the format of communication between parents or teachers with the younger generation. But what does “exhortation” mean in such a relationship? The traditional institution of mentoring and education! An outdated definition breaks down into many meanings:
- man's instruction;
- attempt to give advice;
- persuasion;
- persuade.
Even if you heard the concept for the first time, you must have come across it more than once. When a grandmother scolds her grandchildren for breaking a vase or eating jam, this is an exhortation. As well as the appeals of the class teacher to spend more time with textbooks on the eve of exams. The interlocutor seems to be trying to apply three behaviors at once:
- shame for wrongdoing;
- asks to be corrected;
- teaches how to do it.
Similar happens in adulthood. For example, as part of a corporate policy aimed at improving productivity. Or at educational conversations with representatives of the executive branch about the dangers of smoking in public places.
Actual lexicon
Add definition to personal dictionary? Of course, “exhortation” is a bright, rich term. You will be able to characterize the behavior of the mentor and demonstrate your own erudition. However, the word disappeared from the speech of contemporaries, and even before it often appeared only on the pages of books. Focus on the context, try to be more understandable to others, and then your attempt to educate the interlocutor will be more successful!
