What does heavy hearted mean Meaning and Definition
What does heavy hearted mean
Pronunciation
(Definition under construction)
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Filled with or characterized by a feeling of sorrow, melancholy, or anguish; oppressed by a sense of grief or despair.
Etymology
The word “heavy” in the sense of “full of weight or oppression” dates back to the 14th century. In the 17th century, the phrase “heavy-hearted” emerged as a metaphorical extension of this concept, describing a state of mind weighed down by sorrow or distress.
Usage Notes
When describing a person as “heavy-hearted,” it is essential to consider the context in which the word is used. For example, a person might be described as “heavy-hearted” after experiencing a loss, but not necessarily in the same way as someone struggling with ongoing mental health issues.
Cultural References
Examples of the phrase “heavy-hearted” can be found in literature, poetry, and music across the centuries. Shakespeare’s character Hamlet, in his famous soliloquy, describes his heart as “heavy as lead” to convey his deep sorrow.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Heavy with sorrow
- A heart heavy with grief
- Weighed down by sorrow
Related Words or Phrases
- Heavy as lead
- Grief-stricken
- Sorrowful
Collocations
- Heavy-hearted with grief
- A heavy heart
- Heavy with sorrow
Frequency of Use
The phrase “heavy-hearted” is more commonly used in formal and literary contexts, but it can appear in everyday language as well, particularly in conversations about personal struggles or emotional distress.
Common Misspellings
- Hevvy hearted
- Heavyhearted
- Hevy hearted with sorrow