ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hearted

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɑɹtəd// UK //hˈɑːtɪd// heart·ed

adj. having a specific kind of personality or mood. You usually use this word by combining it with another word, like 'kind-hearted' or 'cold-hearted'.

adj. possessing a specified character, disposition, or emotional state. Almost exclusively used as the second element in compound adjectives to describe a person's nature.


SIMPLE

She is a very kind-hearted person who helps everyone.

CONTEXTUAL

The movie features a cold-hearted villain who only cares about money and power.

COMPLEX

His light-hearted response to the crisis suggested he did not fully grasp the severity of the situation facing the company.

Origin

From Middle English herted, hertid; equivalent to heart + -ed.

Usage

Always used in combination with a preceding adjective or noun to form a compound (e.g., 'warm-hearted', 'stout-hearted').

Pitfall

He is very hearted.He is very kind-hearted.This word cannot stand alone; it must be part of a compound adjective describing a specific trait.

Idioms1 entry

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