hearted

American  

[hahr-tid] / ˈhɑr tɪd /

adjective

1. having a specified feeling, mood, personality trait, or kind of heart (now used only in combination).

   hardhearted;

   sad-hearted.

2. fixed or present in the heart.

---

-hearted British  

adjective

1. having a heart or disposition as specified

   good-hearted

   cold-hearted

   great-hearted

   heavy-hearted

---

Usage

What does hearted mean? Hearted is used in compound words to mean “having a specific type of personality or trait.” The word that precedes hearted indicates the type of personality or trait, as in hardhearted or warm-hearted. Hearted can also be used by itself to mean “present in the heart,” but this usage is very rare. Example: Tim’s so kindhearted that he gave his coat to a homeless man on his walk home today.

Other Word Forms

• heartedly adverb
• heartedness noun

Etymology

Origin of hearted

First recorded in 1175–1225, hearted is from the Middle English word iherted. See y-, heart, -ed ³

Example Sentences

Ogun and Lagos state officials said in a statement that the British boxer was "heavy hearted" over the deaths of the two men, who were both his close friends.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

“Quiet, intense, intuitive constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of the Cure story,” the band said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2025

"Quiet, intensive, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, 'Teddy' was a warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story."

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

Neither are roles for the faint hearted, to put it lightly.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

The important thing is that Fay is bright and good- hearted.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes