Heavyhearted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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heavyhearted

[ˈhɛviˈhɑrtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

Heavyhearted describes a feeling of deep sadness or sorrow. It often implies a burdened heart, indicating that someone is feeling overwhelmed by their emotions. This term can be used to express a heavy feeling due to grief, disappointment, or remorse.

Synonyms

dejected, downcast, melancholy, sorrowful.

Examples of usage

  • After hearing the news, she felt heavyhearted.
  • His heavyhearted gaze suggested he was struggling with something.
  • I left the meeting feeling heavyhearted about the outcome.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many poets use 'heavyhearted' to express feelings of loss or longing, capturing the emotional weight in their verses.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often experience heavy-heartedness during times of conflict and sorrow.
  • Classic novels frequently depict protagonists facing heavy-hearted moments, reflecting inner struggles and emotional depth.

Psychology

  • Feeling heavyhearted can be the brain's response to stress, grief, or major life changes, impacting one's emotional well-being.
  • Psychological studies suggest that expressing feelings of sadness can help lighten the emotional load, making it easier to cope.
  • Experiencing heavy-hearted moments can lead to personal growth as individuals reflect on their emotions and challenges.

Cultural Expressions

  • Music often conveys a heavyhearted mood, with many songs focusing on themes of love lost or heartbreak.
  • Cinematically, films capturing heavyhearted themes resonate with audiences, often highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
  • Art often portrays heavyhearted feelings through dark or moody color palettes, symbolizing emotional depth and complexity.

Science

  • Studies show that emotions like sadness can physically manifest in the body, leading to feelings of heaviness.
  • The chemical changes in the brain linked to sadness can affect one's physical sensations, creating a sense of weight.

Origin of 'heavyhearted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'heavy', which means having a lot of weight, with 'hearted', referring to emotions or feelings.
  • It first appeared in English literature in the 17th century, often used to describe deep sadness.
  • The prefix 'heavy-' has been used in various emotional contexts, indicating burden or sorrow.

The term 'heavyhearted' is a compound word formed from 'heavy' and 'hearted'. The word 'heavy' comes from Old English 'heafod', meaning 'weighty' or 'burdensome'. In contrast, 'heart' has its roots in the Old English 'heorte', which refers to the organ as well as metaphorically representing emotions and feelings. The combination reflects the emotional weight one feels when they are sad or burdened. The concept of being heavyhearted is often found in literature and poetry, where it is used to convey deep emotional experiences, especially in times of loss or personal struggle. The use of 'heavyhearted' has persisted in the English language, capturing a universally understood sentiment of grief and sorrow.