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REFERENCE

headed

adj.
US //ˈhɛdəd// UK //hˈɛdɪd// head·ed
  1. 1 going in a direction (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    going or moving toward a specific place.

    travelling or moving in a specified direction; often used with 'for' or 'towards'.

    Example

    We were headed for the beach when it started to rain.

    Example

    The hikers were headed towards the summit, unaware that a severe weather front was approaching from the north.

    Usage

    Commonly follows the verb 'to be' and takes the preposition 'for' or 'towards'.
  2. 2 character or physical traits (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used with another word to describe someone's personality or hair.

    used in combination to describe a person's mental state, character, or physical head characteristics.

    Example

    He is a very level-headed person who never panics in an emergency.

    Example

    The red-headed boy sat quietly in the corner, contrasting sharply with his more boisterous, dark-haired siblings.

    Usage

    Always used as the second part of a hyphenated compound adjective.

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  1. 3 paper with a header (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    paper that has a name and address already printed at the top.

    referring to stationery or documents featuring a pre-printed letterhead containing contact information.

    Example

    Please write the official invitation on headed paper.

    Example

    The legal notice arrived on formal headed stationery, bearing the embossed seal of the city's oldest law firm.

    Usage

    Primarily used in British English; American English speakers typically prefer 'letterhead'.
    • letterhead
Etymology 1

From head (“noun”) + -ed.

Etymology 2

See head (verb).

Word family

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