hortative UK /ˈhɔːtətɪv/US /ˈhɔɹtətɪv/adjective 2noun 1forms 3 adjective2 •Urging, exhorting, or encouraging. •Of a mood or class of imperative subjunctive moods of a verb for giving strong encouragement. noun1 •A mood or class of imperative subjunctive moods of a verb for giving strong encouragement. formshortatives · more hortative · most hortative