# hearted

/ˈhɑɹtəd/ (US) · /hˈɑːtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hearted
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. having a specific character

adjective · CEFR B2

used in compound words to describe a person's nature or feelings.

For teachers: used in combination with an preceding adjective to denote a specific emotional disposition or character trait.

- He is a very kind-hearted man who always helps his neighbours.
- The protagonist is depicted as a cold-hearted businessman who eventually learns the value of human connection through a series of unexpected events.

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

### 2. fixed in the heart

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

deeply felt or fixed in your heart.

For teachers: firmly seated or established within the heart; often used in literary contexts to describe deep-seated emotions.

- The old man carried a long-hearted sorrow that he never spoke about.
- The poet spoke of a hearted grief that no amount of time or distance could ever truly erase.

## Examples

- She is a very kind-hearted person who helps everyone.
- The movie features a cold-hearted villain who only cares about money and power.
- His light-hearted response to the crisis suggested he did not fully grasp the severity of the situation facing the company.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.