# heartfelt

/ˈhɑɹtˌfɛɫt/ (US) · /hˈɑːtfɛlt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heartfelt
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

showing strong, honest, and sincere feelings. You use this to describe things like thanks, apologies, or speeches that come from the heart.

For teachers: sincere and deeply felt; expressing genuine emotion without pretense. Often used to describe communicative acts such as apologies, tributes, or expressions of gratitude.

## Examples

- She gave a heartfelt speech at the wedding.
- The charity received a heartfelt letter of thanks from a family they had helped during the winter.
- The actor’s heartfelt performance resonated with audiences, as he managed to convey a sense of profound loss without relying on overly dramatic gestures or dialogue.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with 'apology', 'thanks', 'plea', or 'tribute'.

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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.