Hardhearted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
hardhearted
[hษrdหhษr.tษชd ]
Definition
emotional state
Hardhearted describes someone who is emotionally insensitive and lacks compassion for others. It often refers to a person who is indifferent to the suffering or feelings of others and may be perceived as unkind or ruthless. This term is usually used in a negative context to highlight the absence of empathy and kindness.
Synonyms
callous, cruel, insensitive, merciless, unkind.
Examples of usage
- Despite the pleas for help, the hardhearted man walked away without a second thought.
- Her hardhearted attitude toward the homeless shocked everyone.
- He was known for his hardhearted decisions in business.
- The hardhearted treatment of the animals drew public outrage.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Being hardhearted can sometimes be a defense mechanism to avoid emotional pain and vulnerability.
- Studies suggest that people who are hardhearted may have difficulties with empathy, which is essential for healthy relationships.
- Conversely, individuals can learn to soften their hardheartedness through personal growth and emotional awareness.
Literature
- Characters depicted as hardhearted often serve as antagonists, illustrating the consequences of lacking compassion.
- In classic literature, protagonists sometimes transform from hardheartedness to open-heartedness, symbolizing redemption.
- Famous works, like Charles Dickensโ 'A Christmas Carol', highlight hardheartedness as a major obstacle to personal happiness and community well-being.
Pop Culture
- In movies, the classic 'hardhearted villain' trope showcases characters that do not show mercy.
- Songs and poems often explore themes of hardheartedness, portraying it as a source of personal conflict and social issues.
- Reality television has sometimes portrayed contestants who are hardhearted, leading to drama and conflictโengaging viewers through emotional storylines.
Origin of 'hardhearted'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hardhearted' comes from combining 'hard' meaning firm or unyielding, and 'hearted' referring to how a person feels.
- Its usage in English can be traced back to the 15th century, conveying an emotional state as unfeeling.
- Related terms like 'hardheartedness' and 'hardness of heart' emphasize a lack of compassion over time.
The term 'hardhearted' originates from the combination of 'hard' and 'hearted.' The word 'hard' comes from Old English 'heard,' referring to something that is solid, firm, or difficult to break. The word 'hearted' is derived from 'heart,' which traces its roots to the Old English word 'heorte,' referring to the organ as well as the metaphorical sense of someone's emotional disposition. The combination reflects a literal meaning of a heart that is hard, or incapable of feeling. The phrase 'hardhearted' has been in use since the mid-19th century to describe an emotional state, marking its usage in literary and cultural contexts to critique individuals or societies lacking compassion.