Hearth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
hearth
[หhษหrฮธ ]
Definitions
fireplace
The floor of a fireplace, usually of stone, brick, etc., often extending into a room and serving as a hearth.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hearth |
Use when referring to the non-combustible structure surrounding a fireplace or stove, often emphasizing safety and design.
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| fireplace |
Use when referring to a built-in structure designed to contain a fire for heating a room, often indoors and associated with coziness and home gatherings.
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| firebox |
Use when referring to the part of a furnace, stove, or engine in which the fuel is burned, typically in a technical or mechanical setting.
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| fire pit |
Use when referring to an outdoor structure designed for containing a fire and is typically used in a backyard or camp setting.
|
Examples of usage
- The logs crackled and popped on the hearth.
- She sat by the hearth, warming her hands.
home
The home or family, as the central source of warmth and nourishment.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hearth |
Refers to the physical area around a fireplace or metaphorically to the warmth and comfort of a home.
|
| home |
Represents a place where one lives, but also the emotional concept of comfort and belonging. It's used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| family |
Describes a group of people related by blood, marriage, or a strong bond. It can be used in nearly any context, formal or informal.
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| household |
Refers to all the people living together in a single dwelling, often used in surveys, statistics, and more formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The hearth is the heart of the home.
- She welcomed us into her hearth and home.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'hearth' comes from the Old English word 'hyrรฐ', which meant 'fireplace' or 'home'.
- In ancient times, the hearth was the center of family life, where meals were prepared and stories were shared.
- Many cultures used the hearth as a symbol of home and family unity, representing warmth and safety.
Literature
- In classical literature, the hearth often symbolizes comfort and safety, representing home in works like Homerโs 'Odyssey'.
- Hearts and hearths are often linked in poetry, emphasizing the emotional warmth of home life throughout history.
- Characters in many novels often return to their hearths as a sign of redemption or healing, representing a return to safety and comfort.
Cultural Significance
- In many traditions, a fire in the hearth is seen as a symbol of hospitality and friendship.
- Cultures around the world celebrate rituals involving the hearth, from Thanksgiving in the U.S. to Diwali in India, symbolizing the importance of gathering and sharing.
- Certain cultures believed that neglecting the hearth was akin to neglecting family, highlighting its role in familial bonds.
Architecture
- The design of a hearth has evolved over time, from simple pits in the ground to elaborate stone fireplaces with intricate designs.
- In some indigenous cultures, the hearth is central to home layouts and construction, reflecting its importance in everyday life.
- Modern homes often incorporate open hearths for aesthetics, even if they rely more on central heating.
Symbolism
- The hearth is often seen as a symbol of life, representing the fire that keeps a home warm and the safety of family.
- In art, fireside scenes frequently depict comfort and togetherness, symbolizing unity among family members.
- Traditionally, the hearth also represents the transition from chaos to order, as it signifies a controlled, safe space within the home.
Origin of 'hearth'
The word 'hearth' originated from Old English 'heorรพ', meaning a part of the floor of a house which is exposed to heat and light from a fire. The hearth has historically been a symbol of warmth, comfort, and family, as it was the center of the home where food was cooked and families gathered. Over time, the concept of hearth has evolved to represent not just the physical fireplace, but also the emotional center of a household.