“Exhort” and “Extort” are two verbs that sound similar but have drastically different meanings and connotations. Understanding the distinction between these two is crucial for effective communication, particularly in legal, advisory, or motivational contexts. “Exhort” is used when encouraging or strongly advising someone to do something, typically in a positive or supportive manner. In contrast, “Extort” refers to the act of obtaining something through coercion or threats, often involving criminal activity.
Exhort
Definition:
“Exhort” means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something. It involves giving advice, warnings, or recommendations with earnestness or fervent support.
Examples of use:
Legal and ethical guidance: “We are all exhorted therefore to live according to the law,” the judge reminded the community during the town hall meeting.
Motivational speaking: The coach exhorted the team to give their best effort during the final, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and perseverance.
Personal advice: She exhorted her friend to pursue further education, highlighting the long-term benefits of investing in oneself.
Extort
Definition:
“Extort” means to obtain something, especially money, through force or threats. This term is often used in legal contexts to describe a form of coercion or blackmail.
Examples of use:
Criminal activity: They were arrested for extorting money from the elderly, using threats to force their victims to pay.
Legal definition: Extortion is a serious crime that involves forcing someone to hand over property or money by threatening physical harm or destruction.
Corporate malfeasance: The CEO was accused of extorting his competitors, threatening to release damaging information unless they ceded market share.
While both “exhort” and “extort” involve influencing others’ actions, they do so in very different ways and for different purposes. “Exhort” is about encouraging or advising positively, often used in motivational, educational, or advisory contexts. On the other hand, “extort” involves coercion, where force or threats are used to gain something from someone, typically money or other valuables, and is associated with illegal activities.
