Instar vs. exhortar
In Spanish, the words instar and exhortar both mean to urge somebody to do something, but they are used in slightly different contexts.
Instar
B2The verb instar is used to describe a situation where someone is insisting or pressing someone else to do something. It often carries a sense of urgency and determination.
El comité decidió instar al gobierno a tomar medidas inmediatas.
(The committee decided to urge the government to take immediate action.)
Los médicos instaron al paciente a seguir el tratamiento al pie de la letra.
(The doctors urged the patient to follow the treatment exactly.)
Exhortar
C1Exhortar also means to urge someone, but it often carries a more formal or moral connotation. It suggests encouraging someone in a solemn or earnest manner, often for ethical or spiritual reasons.
El sacerdote exhortó a sus feligreses a vivir una vida de rectitud.
(The priest urged his parishioners to live a righteous life.)
El director de la escuela exhortó a los estudiantes a ser responsables y dedicados.
(The school principal urged the students to be responsible and dedicated.)
Summary
Instar and exhortar both translate to to urge, but they are used in different contexts. Instar implies urgency and determination, suitable for pressing someone into action. On the other hand, exhortar is more formal and often used in moral or ethical contexts.